January 23: Bangor could approve tenants rights measures next month
The Bangor City Council will consider in February an updated rent control ordinance. "If passed, the proposed rules would eliminate housing application fees and cap screening fees — which pay for background checks, credit reports and eviction records — at $75." Rental housing providers would also be required to provide two months’ notice before “raising rental fees.” The original ordinance was drafted for review last October.
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January 24: Developer releases more details on Bayside project with over 800 housing units
On Tuesday, Port Property filed with the city of Portland a "master development plan" for over 800 rental units in the Bayside neighborhood. The proposed project includes “804 new rental units, including 201 affordable units and 603 at market rates.” Development is expected to take place over ten years throughout five phases.
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January 24: This new initiative funded by the EPA aims to help new Mainers advocate for safe housing
Nonprofit Healthy Housing with the Rwandan Community in Maine is a new initiative that, by this spring, hopes to be supplying individuals with information regarding tenant rights. The nonprofit is still in its initial stages, with the material currently being developed.
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January 25: Project planned for downtown Waterville would provide more than 60 housing units
Renewal Housing Associates and Northland Enterprises Inc are proposing a new project in downtown Waterville that would create more than 60 units with the potential for two more buildings. The additional buildings would be “subject to a separate board review.” Waterville Mayor Jay Coelho said, “the project is a fantastic idea that will alter the downtown for the better.”
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January 25: White House directs federal probe into housing rental market practices
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden released a "blueprint" described to “advance a stronger, more equitable renter market.” The blueprint is set to “enhance renter protections and crack down on unfair practices.”
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