Mills doubles size of Maine's new rent assistance payments
Three months after it was launched, the state’s $5 million COVID-19 Rent Relief Program is doubling the size of its assistance payments.
Effective Monday, the program is upping the payments from $500 to $1,000, according to a news release from Gov. Janet Mills.
Under the program, which Mills established in April with MaineHousing, households that meet certain financial requirements can now receive a payment of up to $1,000 paid directly to the landlord for up to three months. The assistance may also be used to pay for overdue rent.
In accepting the payment, the landlord agrees not to evict the tenant for nonpayment for the month the payment was issued.
The program is supported with $5 million in state coronavirus relief funds, including $2.2 million Mills earmarked in July from federal Community Development Block Grants. Mills considers the funding an “initial investment,” and may channel additional funds for rent assistance depending on the need and on future federal support, the release said.
Maine’s Community Action Agencies are administering the program locally. No organization will get administrative fees for implementing the assistance.
Mills last week also expanded the timeframe of the process for evicting renters in Maine. Under the new executive order, landlords must notify at-will tenants of prospective eviction at least 45 days in advance, up from the current 30-day notice. However, the order doesn’t affect evictions scheduled for hearing and processing prior to the pandemic.
“We believe the combination of an expanded rental relief program and continued protections through the updated executive order can help renters while also not leaving landlords behind,” Mills said. “My administration will continue to work closely with MaineHousing and local agencies across the state to help keep Mainers housed.”
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