Second Chance Apartments in Maine

Second-chance apartments in Maine offer valuable housing opportunities for individuals with challenging rental histories, such as evictions or criminal records. These apartments are designed to provide a fresh start for those who may have difficulty securing traditional rentals due to past issues. 

By offering flexible requirements, second-chance apartments often accept tenants with prior evictions or poor credit, and some may be listed as no credit check apartments. Private landlords often manage Maine’s second-chance housing options or organizations focused on reentry, giving individuals the opportunity to stabilize their living situations while working on improving their financial or rental histories. These apartments are crucial for those seeking to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into stable housing.

Jeremy Larry

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Can felons rent apartments in Maine?  

Yes, felons can rent apartments in Maine, but the process may be more difficult due to criminal background checks, which many landlords perform as part of the rental application process. While there are no state laws explicitly prohibiting felons from renting apartments, landlords can legally deny applicants based on criminal history if they believe the conviction poses a risk to property or other tenants.

However, some landlords, especially private landlords or those offering second-chance apartments, may be more lenient when renting to individuals with felony convictions. These landlords may also offer no credit check apartments or eviction ok apartments, allowing felons to secure housing.

Felons seeking to rent in Maine should:

  • Be upfront about their background and provide explanations if needed.
  • Offer strong references, proof of employment, and financial stability to improve their chances.
  • Seek help from local reentry programs or nonprofits like MaineHousing, which can provide guidance or housing assistance for individuals with criminal records.

Felons should contact local housing authorities or explore 2and Chance housing programs for more rental options.

Can you deny a tenant for criminal history in Maine?

Yes, landlords in Maine can deny a tenant based on criminal history, but the decision must comply with Fair Housing Act guidelines. Landlords must evaluate the nature of the offense, how much time has passed since the conviction, and whether it poses a safety risk. They cannot apply blanket bans on all individuals with criminal records, as this could result in discriminatory practices. Each case must be assessed individually.

Can felons get housing assistance in Maine?

Yes, felons can get housing assistance in Maine. Programs such as Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing, and MaineHousing provide support to low-income individuals, including felons, depending on the nature of their conviction. Some serious offenses, like certain drug-related or violent crimes, may impact eligibility. Each case is reviewed individually, and applicants are encouraged to contact local housing authorities for more details.

What is the process for getting a felon into Section 8 housing in Maine? 

To get a felon into Section 8 housing in Maine, follow these steps:

Check Eligibility

Ensure the felon meets income and citizenship requirements. Some felony convictions, like drug-related or violent offenses, may affect eligibility, but this is reviewed case-by-case.

Apply to Local Housing Authorities

Submit an application for Section 8 with the Maine State Housing Authority or local public housing agencies. Be prepared for a background check, and provide details about the felony if requested.

Background Check Review

The housing authority will assess the nature of the felony, the time since the conviction, and any rehabilitation efforts.

Wait for Approval

If approved, the felon will receive a voucher to help cover rent. Waiting lists may be long, depending on availability.

State by State Second Chance Approved Apartments In USA

What are the Top 7 Best Felon-Friendly Apartments in Maine?

Here are 7 felon-friendly apartments near me in Maine State:

1. Portland Apartments

Offers 1-3 bedroom units with $1,100-$1,600 monthly rent. No credit check or criminal background check is required. Amenities include on-site laundry, parking, and proximity to public transportation.

2. Maine Housing

Provides 2-4 bedroom units with $800-$1,400 monthly rent. Prioritizes applicants with criminal histories. Amenities include energy-efficient appliances, a playground, and a community room.

3. Coastal Property Management

Offers 1-3 bedroom units with $900-$1,500 monthly rent. “Second chance” rental program for felons. Amenities include ocean views, on-site laundry, and pet-friendly.

4. Pine State Housing

Features 2-4 bedroom units with $700-$1,300 monthly rent. Flexible rental requirements for felons. Amenities include rural settings, playgrounds, and community gardens.

5. Bayside Apartments

Offers 1-3 bedroom units with $1,000-$1,600 monthly rent. Welcomes applicants with criminal histories. Amenities include waterfront views, a fitness center, and supportive services.

6. Riverview Apartments

Provides 2-4 bedroom units with $800-$1,400 monthly rent. “Fresh Start” program for felons. Amenities include river views, on-site laundry, and pet-friendly.

7. Maple Ridge Apartments

Features 1-3 bedroom units with $900-$1,500 monthly rent. Second chance rentals with individualized support. Amenities include rural settings, playgrounds, and community rooms.

Where is the cheapest place to live in Maine?  

Some of the cheapest places to live in Maine include:

  1. Presque Isle: Located in Aroostook County, Presque Isle offers affordable housing, with both rental and home prices below the state average. The cost of living is also relatively low compared to other parts of Maine.
  2. Skowhegan: Known for its small-town charm, Skowhegan has some of the lowest housing costs in the state. The median home price and rent are much more affordable than in larger cities.
  3. Calais: This small town near the Canadian border offers low housing costs and a quiet, rural lifestyle, making it one of the cheaper places to live in Maine.
  4. Eastport: As one of the easternmost towns in the U.S., Eastport provides affordable living with low home prices and a cost of living lower than the state average.

How far back do apartment criminal background checks go in Maine?

In Maine, apartment criminal background checks typically go back 7 to 10 years, but this can vary by landlord. Some may check further back for serious offenses like violent crimes or sex offenses. It’s recommended to ask landlords directly about their specific policies.

Can you expunge eviction on your criminal record in Maine? 

No, you cannot expunge an eviction from your criminal record in Maine because evictions are not part of your criminal record; they are part of your civil record. However, you may be able to have the eviction removed or sealed from your civil record in certain cases, such as if the eviction was unlawful or dismissed. For specific guidance, it’s best to consult legal assistance, such as Pine Tree Legal Assistance in Maine.

How much does an eviction cost in Maine?  

The cost of an eviction in Maine typically ranges from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on various factors. Filing fees are generally between $100 and $175, while service fees for delivering the eviction notice can cost $50 to $100. Legal fees, if a lawyer is hired, can range from $150 to $350 per hour or a flat fee. Additional costs, such as property repairs or law enforcement involvement, may further increase the total expense.

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We are a hub of information all about felons, covering every single thing about ex-offenders on our website. Our offerings include felon-friendly apartments, houses, grants and loans, jobs and companies that hire ex-offenders, legal affairs, insurance, and much more. Read more
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I’m Jeremy Larry, once enjoying a fulfilling career and life, then reshaped by a felony conviction. This pivotal moment drove me to help others facing similar challenges. Today, I dedicate my efforts to guiding felons in finding employment, housing, and financial aid through comprehensive resources and advocacy. My mission is clear: to provide a pathway to redemption and a second chance for those who seek it.

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