Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 30-A, §§ 4971–4978, 4743, 4994-D § 4976
Conversion of property
Operative Text
Any owner or purchaser of low-income rental housing who sells, transfers title or takes other action in regard to that property that would result in the termination of financial assistance shall allow the current tenants to remain in the dwelling units for 6 months from the date of sale, transfer of title or other action in regard to the property, at the same rents or portion of the total rents charged to the tenants before that sale, transfer of title or other action in regard to the property, or the owner may relocate the tenants to comparable units with comparable rents in accordance with the procedure established by rules of the Maine State Housing Authority. 1. Rules. The Maine State Housing Authority, pursuant to the Maine Administrative Procedure Act , Title 5, chapter 375 , shall adopt rules with respect to relocation standards to be applied under this section. These standards shall include, but are not limited to, assistance with moving expenses and rental assistance payments necessary to maintain comparable rents for the displaced tenants.
Maine law under 30-A M.R.S. § 4976 addresses what happens when low-income rental housing loses its financial assistance status due to a sale, title transfer, or similar action. When such a conversion occurs, current tenants are entitled to remain in their units for six months at the same rent they were paying before the change. Alternatively, the owner may move tenants to comparable units at comparable rents, following relocation standards set by the Maine State Housing Authority, which must include help with moving costs and rental assistance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Owners and purchasers of low-income rental housing covered by 30-A M.R.S. § 4976 who take actions that end financial assistance are generally expected to either honor a six-month occupancy period at pre-conversion rents or arrange relocation to comparable units at comparable rents. Compliant operators typically follow the Maine State Housing Authority's rules on relocation standards, which encompass moving expense assistance and rental assistance payments for displaced tenants. Familiarity with those administrative rules before completing any sale or transfer is a common practice among operators managing these transitions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 30-A M.R.S. § 4976, tenants living in low-income rental housing that is sold or otherwise converted away from financial assistance have a right to stay in their units for six months at their existing rent levels, or to be relocated to a comparable unit at a comparable rent. The Maine State Housing Authority's rules on relocation standards are designed to protect displaced tenants, including provisions for moving expenses and rental assistance. Tenants who believe these protections are not being honored may consider contacting 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.
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