As we’ve reported in the past, lawmakers have been making great strides in their efforts to address Maine’s housing crisis.
But despite the progress made by the state legislature to address zoning laws, some challenges remain.
In South Portland, exponential rent hikes at one affordable housing unit is making life difficult for tenants in the area.
Reports suggest that the new owners of Redbank Village — which has historically served low-income families, senior citizens and people with disabilities — may be illegally raising rental prices, despite major problems with several units.
Residents have reported as much as a 25% increase in rent despite cases of mold, ceiling leaks, and a host of other issues at several Redbank apartments.
These unsafe conditions coupled with the dramatic increases in rental prices, represent potential landlord violations that only work to worsen the ongoing housing crisis.
It’s clear that we still have a long road ahead to ensuring that safe and affordable housing is accessible to all Maine families in need. We encourage Governor Mills and the Maine Legislature to build on the progress they’ve made, and pass legislation that better protects renters from exploitation.
The bottom line is that every Mainer deserves a safe, affordable roof over their head. We need better protections to ensure renters aren’t taken advantage of for trying to access affordable housing during this crisis.
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