The Maine State Housing Authority runs public housing and rental information programs across the state
The Maine State Housing Authority (MaineHousing) is a state agency that owns and manages public housing, administers rental information programs, and helps people find affordable places to live. It is not a landlord you call to rent an apartment — it is the organization that either owns certain buildings or pays part of your rent through programs like vouchers. MaineHousing also handles mortgage programs for first-time buyers and manages funds for emergency rental help.
If you live in Maine and need affordable housing, MaineHousing is usually the first place to contact because it either runs the program you need or can tell you which local agency does. The organization is based in Augusta, but it works through regional offices and local housing authorities in each county.
Key Takeaways
- MaineHousing runs public housing developments, rental voucher programs, and emergency rental information — contact them to learn which programs operate in your county.
- Public housing waitlists are managed by local housing authorities in each region, not by MaineHousing directly, so you explore where you want to live.
- Rental vouchers (Section 8-style information) are administered through MaineHousing but distributed by local authorities, and waitlists are often closed.
- MaineHousing's main phone line and website can direct you to the specific local office that handles your area and the program you need.
- Emergency rental information and mortgage programs are handled through MaineHousing's central office, not through local authorities.
How to contact MaineHousing and find your local office
MaineHousing's main office is in Augusta. You can reach them by phone at 207-626-4600 or visit their website at mainehousing.org. When you call, have your county name ready — the staff can tell you which local housing authority serves your area and what programs are currently open.
Each county has its own housing authority that handles public housing applications and waitlists. MaineHousing does not manage these waitlists directly. For example, if you live in Cumberland County, you would contact the Cumberland County Housing Authority; if you live in York County, you contact the York County Housing Authority. MaineHousing's website has a directory of all local authorities with their phone numbers and addresses.
If you are calling about emergency rental information or a first-time homebuyer mortgage program, stay on the line with MaineHousing's central office — those programs are not handled by local authorities.
Public housing and how waitlists work
MaineHousing owns or operates public housing developments in communities across Maine. These are apartment buildings where rent is set based on your income, usually 30 percent of what you earn. To explore for public housing, you contact the local housing authority in the county where you want to live, not MaineHousing itself.
Waitlists for public housing are long in most areas and often closed to new applications. When a waitlist is closed, the local authority will tell you when it will reopen — this can be months or years. You can call your local authority to ask the current status and whether you can get on a list to be notified when applications reopen. Some authorities maintain a "waiting list for the waiting list."
When you explore, you will need proof of income, a photo ID, Social Security numbers for everyone in your household, and information about where you currently live. Processing takes several months even after you are approved, because the authority has to find an available unit that fits your family size.
Rental vouchers and Section 8-style information
MaineHousing administers a rental voucher program that works similarly to the federal Section 8 program. With a voucher, you find your own apartment and the program pays a portion of the rent directly to your landlord. You pay the difference. Vouchers are distributed through local housing authorities, not through MaineHousing directly.
Waitlists for vouchers are almost always closed in Maine. Like public housing, you can contact your local authority to ask when the list might reopen and whether you can register to be notified. Some authorities have not opened their voucher waitlist in several years.
If you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time to find an apartment. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass a housing inspection. Not all landlords participate in the program, so finding a place can take time even after you are approved.
Emergency rental information and how the process works
MaineHousing manages emergency rental information funds that help people pay rent they already owe. These funds come from state and federal money and are typically available when someone has fallen behind due to job loss, illness, or other hardship. The program pays the landlord directly, not the tenant.
To find out whether emergency rental information is currently open, call MaineHousing at 207-626-4600 or check their website. If the fund is open, you will need to provide a signed lease, proof of income loss or hardship, and your landlord's contact information. Processing usually takes two to six weeks. If the fund is closed, MaineHousing can tell you when it might reopen or direct you to other local resources.
First-time homebuyer programs through MaineHousing
MaineHousing offers mortgage programs for first-time homebuyers, including down payment information and favorable interest rates. These programs are managed through MaineHousing's central office, and you work with a participating lender to explore. The lender handles the mortgage itself, but MaineHousing's program provides the down payment help or rate reduction.
To learn about current homebuyer programs, call MaineHousing or visit their website. You will need to show proof of income, credit history, and savings. Some programs require you to take a homebuyer education class before you can explore. Lenders who participate in MaineHousing programs are listed on the website.
What to know before you call or visit
MaineHousing is a state agency, not a private landlord or rental company. It does not own every apartment building in Maine — it owns specific public housing developments and administers programs that help pay rent or buy a home. If you are looking for a regular apartment to rent, you would search online or through a landlord, not through MaineHousing, unless you are using a voucher or explore for public housing.
Waitlists are a normal part of how housing programs work in Maine. Even if a waitlist is closed now, it is worth calling to ask when it might reopen and how to get on a notification list. Circumstances change, and funds become available.
If you are not sure which program you need, start by calling MaineHousing's main line. Explain your situation — whether you need affordable housing now, are looking to buy, or have fallen behind on rent — and they can point you to the right program and the right office to contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get public housing after I explore?
After you are approved, it usually takes several months to a year to get an available unit, depending on your family size and the local authority's inventory. Waitlists themselves can be years long, so approval is only the first step. Call your local authority to ask for a rough timeline based on current availability.
Can I explore for public housing and a rental voucher at the same time?
Yes, you can be on both waitlists at the same time. If you receive one before the other, you can usually stay on the second waitlist in case circumstances change. Ask your local authority about their policy on holding multiple applications.
What if I need help paying rent right now and the emergency fund is closed?
Call MaineHousing to ask what other local resources are available. Some nonprofits and community action agencies have their own emergency funds. MaineHousing can refer you to organizations in your area that may be able to help or tell you when the state fund might reopen.
Do I have to use a MaineHousing program to rent an apartment in Maine?
No. MaineHousing programs are one option for affordable housing, but you can also rent from private landlords, search online rental sites, or work with a real estate agent. MaineHousing programs are there if you need help paying rent or getting into public housing.
Where do I find the phone number for my local housing authority?
MaineHousing's website has a complete directory of all local housing authorities by county. You can also call MaineHousing's main line at 207-626-4600 and they will give you the number for your area.