Rental Registry

In 2024, the City of Bangor approved a two-year Pilot program to take measure of local rental housing conditions by implementing a service-oriented registration and rehabilitation initiative. In addition to establishing an inventory of rental housing units, their features, and their specific needs, the overall objectives of this program will be to gain an understanding of, and to test potential solutions to the most pressing problems for both landlords and tenants.

Owners, landlords, and property managers play an important role in the City's vision to promote and increase community well-being and economic vitality. Nearly half of the City's residents live in rental housing; therefore, Bangor's rental market has a broad impact. Property owners are now invited to take part in a comprehensive evaluation which is an essential part of improving available housing options for City residents.

Beginning July 1, property owners can sign up for the Quality Housing Provider program and provide details on each rental unit, their condition and configuration, and to verify accurate ownership information to ensure that each building receives adequate city services.

Though it is not required, landlords and property managers will find that voluntary participation during the pilot period has many benefits. New services to improve housing conditions are feasible through financial and capacious support, and will feature a regulatory framework which aims to foster responsible landlord behavior and sound, well-managed rental housing in the community.

As the City Council has declared this "the year of housing", the Quality Housing Provider program received an allotment of ARPA funding dedicated to assisting property owners with critical repair needs. During this initial Pilot, this money will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until fully expended.

Program Highlights

  • Education on maintenance and repair standards
  • Repairs and upgrades to energy efficiency, accessibility, or fire safety
  • Security Deposit Guarantee* Program
  • Elimination of regulatory barriers - review of zoning and land use code
  • Rent survey-updated Fair Market Payment Standards
  • Tenant services to prevent eviction for nonpayment of rent

Registration Information

Signing up for the Quality Housing Provider program is easy! View and download the Registration Sign-Up form, and designate a point of contact for each building that you own. Information about your tenants is optional, but helpful in cases of an emergency. You will be asked to review and sign the property condition worksheet, and if you know that you need certain repairs, complete the Self-Assessment Checklist to identify any potential problems. Assistance is available from staff in the Community Development Division to walk you through the checklist and if needed, the funding application process.

Property Rehabilitation

Assistance is available to property owners for critical repairs, damage, energy efficiency upgrades, handicap accessibility, and sprinkler systems required for building safety. The terms and conditions of this funding vary depending on the size of the unit, occupancy, and other factors. A rent agreement may be required to take advantage of the most benefits, such as simple-interest, deferred payments, or loan forgiveness.

Rent agreements extend to the City's new Affordability standards, outlined in the QHP guidebook. Landlords that rent using market rents are not exempt from receiving funds, and may still qualify for attractive terms and conditions.

For assistance or additional information about the new Rental Property program, please contact the Community Development Division.