Can my landlord in Maine ask for supporting documents if I request a service animal?

If your disability or the need for the service animal isn't obvious, your landlord can ask for confirmation from a health care provider about both your disability and the animal's role. They may not ask for your detailed medical records.

What kind of letter or proof is acceptable for an accommodation request?

A note from your doctor, nurse, social worker, or counselor stating that you have a disability and the accommodation is necessary is generally sufficient. It does not need to reveal your diagnosis.

What should I do if my landlord refuses my request after I provide medical proof?

Consider filing a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission using their Housing Intake Questionnaire. Keep copies of your request and any communication.

Is there a time limit for my landlord to respond to an accommodation request?

Landlords must respond promptly to reasonable accommodation requests, but the law does not set a specific deadline. "Promptly" usually means within a few days to a couple of weeks.

Does the Maine Human Rights Act protect me from retaliation if I ask for an accommodation?

Yes. The Act makes it illegal for a landlord to retaliate against you for asserting your rights related to disability accommodations.

Maine Landlords and Medical Proof: Disability Accommodations

Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Maine published: June 21, 2025

If you or a loved one have a disability, you may need your landlord to make a change—called a "reasonable accommodation"—so you can use your rental home safely and comfortably. In Maine, understanding when a landlord can ask for medical proof helps protect your privacy and ensures your accommodation needs are met fairly.

Understanding Disability Accommodations in Maine Rentals

Under both federal and Maine law, renters with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations from landlords. These changes might include a reserved parking spot near your unit, permission for a service animal, or approval for a grab bar in the bathroom. Maine Human Rights Act and the federal Fair Housing Act protect these rights.

Can a Maine Landlord Request Medical Proof?

Yes, landlords in Maine can request information that confirms your disability and explains your need for the accommodation—but only when the disability or necessity isn’t obvious. They cannot ask for your full medical records or a specific diagnosis, only sufficient information to confirm your eligibility.

If your disability and need for accommodation are unmistakable (for example, using a wheelchair and requesting a ramp), documentation is usually not needed.
If your disability or the connection to your accommodation is not clear, landlords may seek confirmation from a qualified professional, like a doctor, counselor, or social worker.
Landlords must keep such information confidential and only use it for evaluating your request.

These rules are outlined by the Maine Human Rights Commission and in federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Common Official Forms and How to Use Them

Maine Human Rights Commission Intake Questionnaire (No form number):
- Used when: You want to file a discrimination complaint if you feel a reasonable accommodation was unfairly denied.
- How to use: Download and complete the MHRC Housing Intake Questionnaire, then submit it to the Commission as instructed on the form.
Reasonable Accommodation Request (Letter Template):
- Used when: Asking your landlord for a disability-related change. No official state form, but HUD provides a sample: See HUD Reasonable Accommodation Guidance (pg. 7).
- How to use: Write a clear letter stating your disability (if not obvious), your requested accommodation, and include a brief note from a medical provider if needed.

Where to Get Help: The Maine Human Rights Commission

The official board for housing discrimination complaints is the Maine Human Rights Commission. This agency investigates complaints about disability accommodations and can order remedies for renters.

If your request is denied or ignored, you can file a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission. Make sure to keep copies of all correspondence and documentation.

Your Rights and the Law: Key Points

Privacy protected: Landlords can only ask for information confirming the need for accommodation, not full medical records.
No official diagnosis required: You may use a letter from a doctor, counselor, or other health professional, but don’t have to disclose your specific condition.
State and Federal Law: The Maine Human Rights Act and federal Fair Housing Act protect your rights as a renter with a disability.

Knowing these protections can help you communicate confidently and assert your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord in Maine ask for supporting documents if I request a service animal?
If your disability or the need for the service animal isn't obvious, your landlord can ask for confirmation from a health care provider about both your disability and the animal's role. They may not ask for your detailed medical records.
What kind of letter or proof is acceptable for an accommodation request?
A note from your doctor, nurse, social worker, or counselor stating that you have a disability and the accommodation is necessary is generally sufficient. It does not need to reveal your diagnosis.
What should I do if my landlord refuses my request after I provide medical proof?
Consider filing a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission using their Housing Intake Questionnaire. Keep copies of your request and any communication.
Is there a time limit for my landlord to respond to an accommodation request?
Landlords must respond promptly to reasonable accommodation requests, but the law does not set a specific deadline. "Promptly" usually means within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Does the Maine Human Rights Act protect me from retaliation if I ask for an accommodation?
Yes. The Act makes it illegal for a landlord to retaliate against you for asserting your rights related to disability accommodations.

Conclusion: What Maine Renters Should Remember

Maine landlords may require limited medical proof for reasonable accommodations if the disability or need isn't obvious.
You have the right to privacy; only sufficient, relevant information can be requested.
Use official forms and request help from the Maine Human Rights Commission if needed.

Knowing your rights under the Maine Human Rights Act and federal Fair Housing Act helps ensure your home is accessible and welcoming.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC): File discrimination complaints and find information on disability accommodations.
MaineHousing: Offers rental assistance and housing resources for Mainers, including those with disabilities.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Maine Offices: Federal resources and guides on fair housing accommodations.
Pine Tree Legal Assistance: Free legal information for Maine renters on disability accommodations and tenant rights.