Maine Accessible Unit Rules for New Apartments

If you’re searching for rental housing in Maine and need an accessible unit, it’s important to understand your rights. New residential buildings in Maine must follow both state and federal accessibility laws to ensure fair access for people with disabilities. This practical guide explains what “accessible units” mean under the law, when these requirements apply, and what steps you can take if your building isn’t meeting the standards.

What are Accessible Units in Maine?

An accessible unit is a rental apartment or home that has features making it usable by people with mobility impairments, such as wheelchair users. Features may include wider doorways, no-step entries, accessible kitchens and bathrooms, and reachable controls (like light switches and thermostats).

In Maine, new construction of multi-family housing (buildings with four or more units) must comply with accessibility rules found in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and the federal Fair Housing Act. These rules are enforced alongside the Maine Human Rights Act on Housing Discrimination and the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code.^[1,2,3]

Which New Buildings Must Provide Accessible Units?

Under federal and Maine law, accessibility requirements apply if:

• The building was built for first occupancy after March 13, 1991
• It has four or more rental units (such as garden apartments, apartment buildings, or condominiums)

At least one ground-floor unit (in buildings without elevators), or all units served by elevators, must be accessible. Specific features are listed in the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

Key Accessibility Features Required

• No-step or accessible building entrances
• Accessible paths throughout public or common areas
• Interior doors wide enough for wheelchairs
• Accessible light switches, outlets, and thermostats
• Bathrooms and kitchens usable by wheelchair users
• Reinforced bathroom walls for grab bars

Landlords can be held responsible for not providing these features in new buildings, unless the building is exempt from the law.

Requesting Reasonable Accommodations

If you need changes made to your unit or the building to make it accessible for your disability, you have the right to request what’s called a “reasonable accommodation.” This is supported by both federal law and the Maine Human Rights Act.^[2]

How to Make a Request

• Requests can be made in writing (recommended for record-keeping) or verbally
• Be specific about what change you need (for example, a ramp added to the building entrance)
• You do not need to disclose your exact diagnosis, only that you have a disability and need the accommodation

Official Forms for Renters

• Maine Human Rights Commission Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire
  • When to use: If your landlord refuses to provide an accessible unit or reasonable accommodation, use this form to file a formal discrimination complaint.
  • How to use: Fill it out with details about your situation and submit it to the Maine Human Rights Commission.
  • Download the Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire

If your landlord denies your request and you feel your rights were violated, you can file a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission, the state agency responsible for enforcing housing protections.^[2]

What Agency Handles Disputes?

The Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC) oversees discrimination complaints about housing accessibility in Maine.

There is no separate landlord-tenant “tribunal” in Maine; court cases involving eviction or habitability are handled in Maine District Court.^[4]

Citing the Law: Maine Tenancy and Accessibility Statutes

• Maine Human Rights Act – Housing, 5 M.R.S. Chapter 337
• Maine Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, 14 M.R.S. Chapter 709
• Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code

Each of these protects renters with disabilities in Maine and sets standards for new apartments to be accessible.

FAQ: Maine Accessible Unit Requirements

1. What is considered an accessible unit under Maine law?
   An accessible unit is a rental that includes features like wide doorways, no-step entries, reachable controls, and kitchens or bathrooms you can use from a wheelchair.
2. Which buildings must have accessible units?
   All new multi-family buildings (with four or more units) built after March 13, 1991, must provide accessible units on the ground floor, or all units if there is an elevator.
3. How do I request disability accommodations?
   Write to your landlord describing what change or feature you need. You can also use the Maine Human Rights Commission’s Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire if denied.
4. What can I do if my landlord refuses to make changes?
   You can file a formal complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission and may also get help from legal aid or advocacy groups.
5. Are landlords allowed to charge more for accessible units?
   No. It is illegal for landlords to charge a higher rent or deposit for accessible or disability-modified units.

Conclusion: What Maine Renters Should Know

• Most new buildings in Maine with four or more units must offer accessible units under federal and state laws.
• Renters can request reasonable accommodations and file complaints if their rights are denied.
• Official forms and agencies are available to help protect your housing rights.

Understanding your rights makes it easier to secure an accessible and comfortable rental home in Maine.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maine Human Rights Commission Housing Discrimination Complaint Process
• Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC) – Main Site: For instructions and help with disability accommodation issues.
• Maine Equal Justice & Legal Aid Resources: Free guidance for renters, including on accessibility disputes.
• HUD Fair Housing Discrimination Online Complaint Portal: For federal-level complaints.

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1. 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, U.S. Department of Justice, https://www.ada.gov/resources/2010-ada-standards/
2. Maine Human Rights Act – Housing, 5 M.R.S. Chapter 337: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/5/title5ch337sec0.html
3. Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code, https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/dcp/cdc-guide/docs/Maine-Uniform-Building-and-Energy-Code.pdf
4. Maine District Courts, https://www.courts.maine.gov/courts/district/

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