Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 5, §§ 4551–4640 (housing subchs.) § 4552
Policy
Operative Text
To protect the public health, safety and welfare, it is declared to be the policy of this State to keep continually in review all practices infringing on the basic human right to a life with dignity, and the causes of these practices, so that corrective measures may, where possible, be promptly recommended and implemented, and to prevent discrimination in employment, housing, education, extension of credit or access to public accommodations on account of an individual's actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin and in employment, extension of credit and access to public accommodations on the basis of age; and in employment and housing on the basis of familial status; and in employment because of the previous assertion of a claim or right against a prior employer under former Title 39 or Title 39‑A and because of protected activity under Title 26, chapter 7, subchapter 5‑B ; and to prevent discrimination or retaliation on the basis of an assertion of rights under this Act or interference with an individual's right to be free from discrimination prohibited under this Act.
Maine's civil rights policy provision, found at 5 M.R.S. § 4552, establishes the state's foundational commitment to identifying and addressing practices that infringe on human dignity. It declares that discrimination in housing — as well as in employment, education, credit, and public accommodations — is prohibited on the basis of characteristics including race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, and familial status. The provision also prohibits retaliation against anyone who asserts rights under the Act or who exercises protected activity, and it directs the state to continuously review discriminatory practices and recommend corrective measures.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Maine should understand that 5 M.R.S. § 4552 sets the overarching policy framework under which all housing-related anti-discrimination obligations in the state are interpreted. Compliant operators generally ensure that their rental practices — including advertising, tenant screening, lease terms, and responses to complaints — do not treat applicants or residents differently based on any of the protected characteristics enumerated in this provision. Operators also take care not to retaliate against tenants who raise fair housing concerns or assert rights under Maine's Human Rights Act, as such retaliation is itself a prohibited practice under this policy.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Maine's policy declaration at 5 M.R.S. § 4552 affirms that every person has a right to housing free from discrimination based on characteristics such as race, sex, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, and gender identity, among others. Tenants who believe they have experienced discriminatory treatment or retaliation for asserting their rights may have recourse under this Act, including the option of filing a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission, which administers the statute. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services familiar with Maine's Human Rights Act can help individuals understand the general enforcement paths available under § 4552 and related provisions.
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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