Maine Section 8, Records & Right to Counsel
Maine rules on section 8, records & right to counsel for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-23.
Short answer: Yes. The Maine Human Rights Act makes it unlawful to refuse to rent to, or impose different tenancy terms on, someone who receives federal, state or local public assistance, including housing subsidies such as vouchers, primarily because they receive it. 5 M.R.S. § 4581-A(4)
The rules in Maine
| Statewide ban on refusing Section 8 / source of income | Yes. The Maine Human Rights Act makes it unlawful to refuse to rent to, or impose different tenancy terms on, someone who receives federal, state or local public assistance, including housing subsidies such as vouchers, primarily because they receive it. The statute says 'primarily because of the individual's status as recipient.' It covers public assistance only, not every lawful source of income. Source: 5 M.R.S. § 4581-A(4) |
|---|---|
| Eviction record sealing | Partial: there is no sealing or expungement, but FED and small-claims court records become available to the public only at a courthouse, not online, in three cases: (1) the parties agree; (2) the case was dismissed or decided for the defendant; or (3) more than 3 years have passed since judgment. This applies automatically by statute. This limits remote access only. It does not seal records. |
| Right to a lawyer in eviction | No statewide right to counsel in eviction cases. By statute, the court must announce at the start of FED hearings if an attorney is available that day to represent tenants. The summons must include a court form that lists legal-help resources. Only Title 14 ch. 709 was checked for a right-to-counsel statute. Any program run only by court rule or by funding would not appear there. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6004(2)-(3) |
Related questions
- Can a landlord refuse Section 8?
- Can an eviction be removed from your record?
- Do tenants get a free lawyer for an eviction?
Maine vs. neighboring states
| State | Statewide ban on refusing Section 8 / source of income | Eviction record sealing | Right to a lawyer in eviction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | Yes. The Maine Human Rights Act makes it unlawful to refuse to rent to, or impose different tenancy terms on, someone who receives federal, state or local public assistance, including housing subsidies such as vouchers, primarily because they receive it. 5 M.R.S. § 4581-A(4) | Partial: there is no sealing or expungement, but FED and small-claims court records become available to the public only at a courthouse, not online, in three cases: (1) the parties agree; (2) the case was dismissed or decided for the defendant; or (3) more than 3 years have passed since judgment. This applies automatically by statute. 4 M.R.S. § 9-C (PL 2021, c. 644, LD 913) | No statewide right to counsel in eviction cases. By statute, the court must announce at the start of FED hearings if an attorney is available that day to represent tenants. The summons must include a court form that lists legal-help resources. 14 M.R.S. § 6004(2)-(3) |
| New Hampshire | No. New Hampshire's fair housing law covers age, sex, gender identity, race, religion, color, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability and national origin (and sexual orientation in advertising), but not source of income or housing vouchers. RSA 354-A:10 | No statute provides for sealing eviction court records. Related protection: no-fault terminations (such as non-renewal of a 12+ month lease, effective July 1, 2026) may not be considered evictions for rental applications or tenant screening reports. RSA ch. 540 and 540-A (no sealing provision); RSA 540:2, VIII | No statewide statutory right to counsel in eviction cases found. RSA ch. 540 (no counsel provision) |
More Maine rental law
- Maine Security Deposit Law
- Maine Eviction Laws
- Maine Notice to Vacate Rules
- Landlord Entry Rules in Maine
- Maine Repairs & Tenant Remedies
- Maine Rent Increase & Late Fee Laws
- Breaking a Lease in Maine
- Squatters' Rights in Maine
- Maine Rental Fee Rules
- Maine Mold, Pests, Heat & AC Rules
- Maine Privacy, Guests & Animal Rules
- Maine Landlord Selling the House
- Maine Lockouts, Utility Shutoffs & Retaliation
- Maine Subletting, Lease Endings & Tenant Death
- All Maine landlord-tenant rules
- Free legal help in Maine
Compare section 8, records & right to counsel in all 50 states and DC →
Maine Section 8, Records & Right to Counsel FAQ
Is it illegal for a landlord to refuse Section 8 vouchers in Maine?
Yes. The Maine Human Rights Act makes it unlawful to refuse to rent to, or impose different tenancy terms on, someone who receives federal, state or local public assistance, including housing subsidies such as vouchers, primarily because they receive it. (5 M.R.S. § 4581-A(4))
Can an eviction record be sealed or removed in Maine?
Partial: there is no sealing or expungement, but FED and small-claims court records become available to the public only at a courthouse, not online, in three cases: (1) the parties agree; (2) the case was dismissed or decided for the defendant; or (3) more than 3 years have passed since judgment. This applies automatically by statute. (4 M.R.S. § 9-C (PL 2021, c. 644, LD 913))
Do tenants have a right to a free lawyer in eviction cases in Maine?
No statewide right to counsel in eviction cases. By statute, the court must announce at the start of FED hearings if an attorney is available that day to represent tenants. The summons must include a court form that lists legal-help resources. (14 M.R.S. § 6004(2)-(3))
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.