50th Anniversary of Fair Housing Act
MaineHousing, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the state’s local public housing authorities, and our housing advocates recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Together, Fair Housing makes us stronger.
General Fair Housing Information
Federal and state laws give you a right to fair housing. These laws prohibit discrimination in the sale, rental, advertising or financing of housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, or familial status. Discrimination means any action, omission or decision that has the effect of restricting your choice of housing and access to housing assistance.
- Learn more about state fair housing and equal access laws from the Maine Human Rights Commission
, the state agency responsible for administering and enforcing Maine’s fair housing laws
- Learn more about federal fair housing and equal access laws from the Office of Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity at the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, the federal agency responsible for administering and enforcing the federal fair housing laws.
Disability Rights
Federal and state laws provide certain rights and protections for persons with disabilities, including persons with mental and physical disabilities. These laws prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities; require housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities in policies, procedures and programs; require housing providers to allow persons with disabilities to make reasonable modifications so they can fully enjoy their housing and related facilities; and require multifamily housing to be designed and constructed in accordance with certain accessibility standards.
- Learn more about State disability rights laws and accessibility standards from the Maine Human Rights Commission.
- Learn more about federal disability rights laws and accessibility standards.
Limited English Proficiency
Federal law requires all recipients of financial assistance from the federal government to make reasonable efforts to provide language assistance to persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) to ensure they have meaningful access to the recipient’s programs and services. Persons with Limited English Proficiency are persons who, as a result of national origin, do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to speak, read, write or understand English.
- Learn more about Federal LEP requirements
- Learn more about State efforts concerning LEP, immigration and diversity from the State’s Office of Multicultural Affairs
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: Louise Patenaude, Maine State Housing Authority, 353 Water Street, Augusta, Maine 04330-4633, Telephone Number 1-800-452-4668 (voice in state only), (207) 626-4600 (voice) or Maine Relay 711.