Jasmin Belanger faced significant housing difficulties after agreeing to a repayment plan with the Bangor public housing authority. Although she successfully paid her back rent on schedule, a court-documented repayment agreement resulted in an eviction record. This mark on her record prevented her from securing new housing. Federal guidelines encourage public housing authorities to offer repayment agreements to prevent evictions, but their implementation varies. In Maine, these agreements are often made verbally in court with minimal judicial oversight. Judges in Maine frequently grant landlords possession of properties when repayment deals are struck, even if tenants fulfill their obligations. Other states have implemented safeguards requiring landlords to return to court to evict tenants for non-compliance. Bangor's housing authority has a history of making court-based repayment agreements that lead to eviction judgments. The executive director of the Bangor housing authority expressed surprise at this outcome and a willingness to change the process. HUD's guidance aims to prevent evictions from being used as a tool to pressure tenants. Belanger's experience highlights how these agreements, intended as a second chance, can negatively impact tenants' financial and housing prospects.