Operative Text
A. “Baseline” is the per-unit amount of anticipated energy consumption established through an initial energy audit and subsequent changes based on actual usage data. B. “Energy Costs” means the reasonable estimate of the average monthly utility bills (except telephone) for an energy-conscious household of modest circumstances living in a particular type of unit. C. “Gross Rent” is an amount equal to the rental amount plus housing-related utilities for a particular unit. D. “Owner” means the individual or entity, including any agent of such individual or entity, who owns the project containing the subject unit(s). E. “Rule” means the MSHA rule entitled “Chapter 5 - Energy Cost and Utility Allowance Determinations”. F. “Utility Allowance” is an amount of money equal to the estimated reasonable Energy Costs for a unit of a particular size and construction in a particular geographic area. The Utility Allowance for a unit is determined at initial occupancy and can be modified under circumstances described in this rule. G. “Rent-restricted” means that the maximum rent an owner may charge for a unit is restricted under the terms of MSHA program requirements.
Section 1 of 99-346 Code of Maine Rules ch. 5 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout Maine State Housing Authority's energy cost and utility allowance framework. Key terms include 'Gross Rent,' which combines a unit's rental amount with housing-related utilities, and 'Utility Allowance,' which represents an estimated reasonable energy cost figure tied to a unit's size, construction type, and geographic location. The 'Baseline' figure is set through an initial energy audit and may be updated using real usage data, while 'Rent-restricted' units are subject to maximum rent caps under MSHA program requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Owners operating rent-restricted units under 99-346 Code of Maine Rules ch. 5 § 1 are generally expected to understand how each defined term shapes their compliance obligations. The 'Utility Allowance' is determined at initial occupancy and may be adjusted under conditions described elsewhere in Chapter 5, which means operators typically track energy audit results and actual usage data to maintain an accurate 'Baseline.' Because 'Gross Rent' includes both the rental charge and housing-related utilities, compliant operators account for utility costs when calculating whether rents remain within MSHA program limits.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For tenants living in rent-restricted housing governed by 99-346 Code of Maine Rules ch. 5 § 1, these definitions directly affect how much an owner may charge. The 'Utility Allowance' — an estimate of reasonable energy costs based on unit size, construction, and location — factors into the 'Gross Rent' calculation, which can limit what an owner collects in total. Tenants who believe their housing costs are not being calculated in accordance with these definitions may wish to contact the Maine State Housing Authority or a local tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.