How do I apply for Section 8 in Maine?

Apply to the local public housing agency that serves the area where you want to live. Each agency runs its own waiting list; check its official site to see whether the list is open.

Section 8 in Maine: Housing Authorities and How to Apply

Section 8 (the Housing Choice Voucher program) is run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). You apply to the agency that serves where you want to live; many keep waiting lists that open only at times. Here are the agencies serving Maine's largest areas, from HUD's official contact list and each agency's site.

Is it illegal for a Maine landlord to refuse Section 8? 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)

Housing authorities in Maine

Portland Housing Authority — Portland, Cumberland County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers, Voucher Homeownership, LIHTC housing
Phone: 207-773-4753
How to apply / waiting list
South Portland Housing Authority — South Portland, Cumberland County
Housing Choice Voucher, Project-Based Vouchers
Phone: (207) 773-4140
How to apply / waiting list
Westbrook Housing Authority — Westbrook, Cumberland County
Housing Choice Voucher, Affordable rental communities, Family Self-Sufficiency
Phone: 207-854-9779
How to apply / waiting list
Brunswick Housing Authority (Brunswick Topsham Housing Authority) — Brunswick, Cumberland County
Housing Choice Voucher, Managed family and senior housing
Phone: (207) 725-8711
How to apply / waiting list
Maine State Housing Authority (MaineHousing) — Augusta
Housing Choice Voucher, Section 811 Project Rental Assistance, Stability through Engagement Program
Phone: (866) 357-4853 (in-state toll-free, voucher questions) or (207) 624-5789
How to apply / waiting list

Source: HUD public housing agency contact list. Check the agency's own site before applying; waiting lists open and close.

Statewide housing agency

MaineHousing (Maine State Housing Authority) — Runs a statewide Housing Choice Voucher program (apply online through the Maine centralized voucher waiting list), the Eviction Prevention Program (run by Project Home), short-term rental help for people leaving shelters (STEP), Section 811 supportive housing and the MaineHousing Search rental listings.

Help paying rent in Maine

Eviction Prevention Program — State-funded help for income-eligible tenants facing eviction, with priority for those who have an eviction notice or court summons for unpaid rent; administered by Project Home. MaineHousing says applications opened September 21, 2026, while funds last. Apply online, by phone at (207) 274-1240, or at Project Home, 75 Washington Ave Suite 2F, Portland.
Maine Centralized Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List — One online application for Section 8 vouchers used by MaineHousing and participating local housing authorities (linked from MaineHousing, Portland and Westbrook housing authority sites).
MaineHousing Search — Free statewide listing of available rental housing.

How to apply

Find the housing authority for the city or county where you want to live (list above).
Check whether its voucher waiting list is open; many open for short windows or use a lottery.
Apply only through the agency's official site or office. Applying is free — no one may charge you to get on a list.
Keep your contact information current with the agency so you do not lose your place.
When a voucher is issued, you find a rental whose rent fits the agency's payment standard and that passes inspection.

Rent levels (HUD Fair Market Rent) and local help by county

Maine tenant rights · Free legal help in Maine · Section 8 in other states

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.