Maine Fair Housing Protected Classes: A Guide for Renters

Understanding your rights around housing discrimination is vital if you rent in Maine. The state’s fair housing laws protect many groups—known as 'protected classes'—from unfair eviction, rent increases, and other discrimination. Knowing these protections helps you respond confidently if you ever face unfair treatment.

What Are Protected Classes Under Maine Fair Housing?

"Protected classes" are groups of people Maine law shields from housing discrimination. Landlords cannot legally treat renters differently based on these factors. Both federal law (the Fair Housing Act) and state law set out these protections.

• Race or color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity)
• Disability
• Familial status (having children under 18, pregnant people)
• Age (in housing for older persons)
• Marital status
• Genetic information
• Veteran status
• Source of income (such as using a housing voucher)

The Maine Human Rights Act expands some protections beyond federal law^[1].

Common Examples of Discrimination

Knowing how discrimination can look helps you spot it and take action:

• Refusing to rent to someone because they have children
• Refusing to accept Section 8 or other voucher holders
• Asking applicants illegal questions about disability, religion, or immigration status
• Charging higher rent based on a protected characteristic

Discrimination can be direct or subtle, but both are illegal when based on protected class status.

If You Experience Discrimination: Your Rights and Action Steps

The Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC) enforces these laws and handles complaints from renters. If you believe a landlord or property manager has discriminated against you because of a protected class, you can file a formal complaint.

Official Form: Maine Human Rights Commission Intake Questionnaire

• Form Name: Housing Intake Questionnaire
• How to Use It: Complete this form as the first step in filing a housing discrimination complaint. You provide details about the situation and your protected class status. This helps MHRC decide whether your issue falls under Maine fair housing law.
• Access and download the Housing Intake Questionnaire here

Example: If your landlord refuses to rent to you after learning you have a housing voucher, fill out the Housing Intake Questionnaire to begin the complaint process.

How the Complaint Process Works

1. Gather any documents (emails, texts, rental ads, etc.) that show the discrimination.
2. Fill out and submit the Housing Intake Questionnaire to the MHRC online, by mail, or in-person.
3. The MHRC will review your information and may contact you for follow-up details.
4. If your complaint qualifies, MHRC investigates and may try to resolve the issue or take enforcement action if they find discrimination.

Where Maine Tenancy Disputes Are Heard

In Maine, housing discrimination complaints are managed by the Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC). General landlord-tenant disputes (such as eviction or security deposits) are handled by the Maine District Court system.

Relevant Maine Tenant Legislation

• Maine Human Rights Act (Title 5, Chapter 337)
• Maine Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 14, Chapter 709)

These laws set the rights and responsibilities for both renters and landlords in Maine.

FAQ: Common Renter Questions on Protected Classes in Maine

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I use a Section 8 voucher?
   No. Refusing to rent based on your source of income, including housing vouchers, is illegal under Maine law.
2. What should I do if I think I've been discriminated against?
   Gather evidence and submit the Housing Intake Questionnaire to the Maine Human Rights Commission as soon as possible.
3. Are sexual orientation and gender identity protected in Maine?
   Yes. Both are specifically protected by Maine's Human Rights Act.
4. How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint?
   You generally have up to 300 days from when the discrimination happened.
5. Is it discrimination if a landlord asks about my religion?
   Landlords should not ask about religion in rental applications, as this could be considered discrimination under fair housing laws.

Conclusion: What Maine Renters Should Know

• Maine law protects you from housing discrimination based on a broad range of factors.
• If facing discrimination, use the Housing Intake Questionnaire to start your complaint quickly.
• Reliable help is available from the Maine Human Rights Commission and other official resources.

By knowing your rights and where to seek help, you can make informed decisions and respond effectively if your rights as a renter are ever challenged.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maine Human Rights Commission – File a complaint or get information on protected classes and discrimination.
• MaineHousing – Resources for renters, including rental assistance and educational guides.
• Pine Tree Legal Assistance – Free legal help for Maine renters facing housing disputes or discrimination.
• Maine Judicial Branch Self-Help Landlord-Tenant Resources – Information and forms for renters and landlords.

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1. Maine Human Rights Act (Title 5, Chapter 337, §4551 et seq.)
2. Maine Human Rights Commission: How to File a Complaint
3. Maine Judicial Branch: Landlord & Tenant Information
4. MaineHousing

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