The Housing Stability Support Program, referred to in this subchapter as "the program," is established within the Maine State Housing Authority. [PL 2025, c. 498, §1 (NEW).]
1. Program. The program provides assistance to prevent eviction of renters with household incomes of less than 30% of the median income for the area as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development under the United States Housing Act of 1937, Public Law 75-412, 50 Stat. 888, Section 8, as amended.
[PL 2025, c. 498, §1 (NEW).]
2. Administration. The Maine State Housing Authority shall delegate administration of the program and provide appropriate funding to one or more of the following: a designated community action agency as described by Title 22, section 5324; a municipal housing authority; or any other qualified entity as determined by the Maine State Housing Authority, including but not limited to a community-based organization. An entity delegated to administer the program must demonstrate experience as an administrator of similar programs and have the ability to provide job-seeking assistance to renters who benefit from the program. An entity delegated to administer the program shall develop a method of verifying a person's eligibility for rental assistance every 6 months after initial approval. An entity delegated to administer the program shall limit administrative costs to 10% or less of an allocation received from the fund and keep the total cost of program delivery and administrative costs to 25% or less of an allocation received from the fund.
[PL 2025, c. 498, §1 (NEW).]
3. Program delivery and operations. The program must include funding and capacity for adequate staffing to support program delivery and operations, facilitate wraparound and navigation services and provide essential stability and case management critical to the success of program participants. An entity delegated to administer the program must be capable of serving a diverse population, including persons with limited proficiency in the English language and from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, and must possess demonstrated experience administering similar programs, including supplemental rental assistance and housing navigation programs. Staff members must substantially participate in ensuring equitable access and program compliance and in connecting renters with broader supports that promote long-term housing stability and workforce participation.
[PL 2025, c. 498, §1 (NEW).]
4. Form and amount of assistance. Assistance provided under the program is limited to $3,000 per household per calendar year. Assistance must be paid directly to the program participant's landlord in an amount not to exceed $300 per month, except when the assistance payment is for a security deposit required for a new lease or rental agreement.
[PL 2025, c. 498, §1 (NEW).]
5. Eligibility. A person eligible for assistance under the program must:
A. At the time of application, earn less than 30% of the median income for the area as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development under the United States Housing Act of 1937, Public Law 75-412, 50 Stat. 888, Section 8, as amended; [PL 2025, c. 498, §1 (NEW).]
B. At the time of application, not be using a federal housing voucher to pay rent or live in a subsidized housing unit; [PL 2025, c. 498, §1 (NEW).]
C. Provide proof of a current landlord-tenant relationship, such as a lease or other documentation sufficient to demonstrate a landlord-tenant relationship, to an entity delegated to administer the program; and [PL 2025, c. 498, §1 (NEW).]
D. Have a rental payment within the standard rental payment amount as determined by the housing authority of jurisdiction. [PL 2025, c. 498, §1 (NEW).]
[PL 2025, c. 498, §1 (NEW).]
