Homeownership & Foreclosure
Featured Content March 2025
The state of Maine has a lot of older homes, and unfortunately that means we also have a lot of lead paint. This article covers what you and your family should know about lead: the risks, your rights…
Featured Content July 2024
Welcome to PTLA's Fair Housing Unit!
The Fair Housing Unit works to make sure state and federal laws protecting everyone’s right to housing free from illegal discrimination are enforced i
Featured Content July 2024
Introduction
Understanding the kind of purchase agreement you have when you are trying to buy land or a home is very important.
December 2024
In Maine, if you cannot pay your tax bill for the property you live on, there is something you can do. Your city or town can decide that you don't have to pay some or all of it. This is called a "…
October 2024
Is the electric company trying to charge you for a previous resident’s utility debt? Sometimes when a previous resident owes money to a utility company, the company will contact the current resident…
August 2024
FEMA is a government agency which often provides assistance funds for people affected by severe weather. This article describes the process of applying for FEMA aid, and how to appeal a FEMA decision…
July 2023
Yes. A person or company you owe money to can put a lien on a home that you own. But there may be something you can do about it. Maine law has some protections for homeowners in this situation.
May 2023
Introduction
The Maine Homestead Exemption may lower your property tax bill. It makes it so the town won't count $25,000 of value of your home for property tax purposes.
July 2022
Notice: The Maine HAF Program is winding down. Complete applications received after January 10, 5 PM will be put on a waitlist.
April 2022
Introduction
Maine has old homes and old homes need repairs. In fact, all homes will need repairs at some point! Home repairs can be expensive and can affect your life in many ways.
June 2020
Educate yourself. Many, many people are in fear of losing their homes. Maine provides some free help resources, but not everyone will be able to get a free lawyer. Here, we want to help you get…
April 2020
Podcast - Federal and State Fair Housing laws prohibit discrimination against people who are from countries, other than the U.S, when selling, renting, financing, or other housing related…
December 2018
What does "Fair Housing" mean?
In Maine we have both state and federal “fair housing” laws. They say that a landlord cannot refuse to rent to you, and a seller cannot treat you differently, because…
December 2018
Discrimination in mortgage lending is prohibited by the federal Fair Housing Act (link is external) and the Maine Human Rights Act.
December 2018
Where can I get help?
If you are facing threat of foreclosure of your home, try to get a lawyer. Here are some possible legal resources:
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December 2018
BEWARE!
If you have fallen behind on your mortgage or you a
December 2018
Hiring a lawyer can be expensive and there are not enough free lawyers to help everyone who needs one. On the other hand, a lawyer can make a big difference in certain situations. Below we identify…
December 2018
The Fair Housing Newsletter is a publication of Pine Tree Legal Assistance, through the Fair Housing Initiative Program, Maine.
December 2018
The Maine Court gives you the chance to go through a mediation process before your home can be foreclosed upon. This is probably your last best chance to save your home - or to find out about your…
December 2018
Yes. But there may be something you can do about it. Maine law has some protections for homeowners in this situation.
December 2018
This is a tax credit for people who modify their home to make it more accessible for a household member with a disability.
December 2018
Tax credits for people with low incomes who own their own homes or pay rent.
December 2018
If you're more than $500 in debt on your electric bill, this program may be able to help you. You pay just your current monthly electric bill, each month and on time. For each month that you pay…