FAIR HOUSING

Fair Housing

The Davis Team LLC | Brokered by Keller Williams Realty

Last Updated: February 18, 2026

1. General Fair Housing Information

Federal and state laws give you a right to fair housing. This means you have the right to be free from discrimination in the sale, rental, advertising, or financing of housing. Under fair housing laws, you cannot be discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, familial status, or receipt of public assistance.

Discrimination means any action, omission, or decision that results in restricting your choice of housing or access to housing assistance.

Learn more about state fair housing and equal access laws from the Maine Human Rights Commission. They are the state agency responsible for enforcing Maine’s fair housing laws.
Learn more about federal fair housing and equal access laws from HUD’s Office of Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity. They are the federal agency responsible for enforcing federal fair housing laws.

2. Disability Rights

Federal and state laws provide certain rights and protections for people with disabilities, including mental and physical disabilities. Housing providers may be required to make reasonable accommodations in policies, procedures, and programs, and allow reasonable modifications so individuals can fully enjoy their housing and related facilities. Multifamily housing may also be required to meet accessibility standards.

Maine disability rights and accessibility standards: Maine Human Rights Commission
Federal disability rights and accessibility standards:
- Federal Fair Housing Act
- Architectural Barriers Act of 1968
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Americans with Disabilities Act resources: U.S. Department of Justice ADA and ADA publications
  - Title II (State/local government): Summary of Title II requirements
  - Title III (Public accommodations): Summary of Title III requirements
- Learn more about reasonable modifications.
- Additional resources:
  - Consumer guides: U.S. DOJ Guides and Disability Rights Center of Maine
  - Federal disability resources: U.S. Department of Labor ODEP
  - State disability resources: Maine.gov disability resources
  - Alpha One
  - Access Maine
  - Disability Rights Center of Maine

3. Limited English Proficiency

Federal law requires organizations that receive federal funds to make reasonable efforts to provide translation support for individuals who do not speak or read English well.

Learn more about Federal LEP requirements.

4. To File a Complaint

State fair housing complaint process: Maine Human Rights Commission – File a complaint
HUD fair housing complaint process: HUD – Complaint process
ADA Title II complaint form: Title II complaint form
ADA Title III complaint process: Title III complaint process

5. Advocacy Groups and Legal Resources

Pine Tree Legal Assistance
- Augusta, 39 Green Street — Tel: 207-622-4731 or 207-623-7777 or 207-623-7770 (TTY)
- Bangor, 61 Main Street — Tel: 207-942-8241 or 207-942-1060 (TTY)
- Lewiston, 37 Park Street, Suite 401 — Tel: 207-784-1558
- Machias, Route 1 and Old County Road — Tel: 207-255-8656 or 207-255-6179 (TTY)
- Portland, 88 Federal Street — Tel: 207-774-8211 or 207-828-2308 (TTY)
- Presque Isle, 373 Main Street — Tel: 207-764-4349 or 207-764-2453 (TTY)
- Farmworker & Native American Units – Bangor — Tel: 207-942-0673
- Multi-lingual Language Line — Tel: 207-774-8211
Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project — Tel: 1-800-442-4293
Maine Equal Justice Project — Tel: 207-626-7058
Disability Rights Center of Maine — Statewide Hotline: Tel. 1-800-452-1948 (V/TTY)
Other advocacy groups in Maine: Access Maine – Advocacy groups

6. Fair Housing Training

MaineHousing offers a free “Understanding Fair Housing” training program. This program is on demand and self-paced.

Training Registration

7. MaineHousing Nondiscrimination Policy

MaineHousing does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, age, familial status or receipt of public assistance in the admission or access to or treatment in its programs and activities. In employment, MaineHousing does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability or genetic information.

MaineHousing will provide appropriate communication auxiliary aids and services upon sufficient notice. MaineHousing will also provide this document in alternative formats upon sufficient notice. MaineHousing has designated the following person responsible for coordinating compliance with applicable federal and state nondiscrimination requirements and addressing grievances:

Lauren Bustard, Maine State Housing Authority, 26 Edison Drive, Augusta, Maine 04330-4633, Telephone: 1-800-452-4668 (voice in state only), (207) 626-4600 (voice) or Maine Relay 711.