This bill makes it a form of housing discrimination under the Maine Human Rights Act to refuse to rent or negotiate for the rental of a housing accommodation because of a person's source of money or other income. The bill also establishes, as a form of housing discrimination, assessing a person's ability to pay the entire rental amount when a portion of the rent is subsidized through federal, state or local housing assistance. In addition to any civil remedies available under the fair housing laws, a person aggrieved by a violation of these provisions is entitled to private remedies as an unfair trade practice as well as a monetary penalty of $1,000 or actual damages, whichever is greater. These provisions take effect January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 847, HP 533: 5.4581