Maine Tenant Rights
Maine's landlord-tenant law (Me.
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Key Laws by Topic
Eviction Laws
- Notice Period:
- 30 days for tenancies under 2 years; 60 days for tenancies over 2 years
- Just Cause Required:
- Yes — after 12 months of occupancy (2023 LD 2083)
- Cure Or Quit Period:
- 7 days to cure lease violations; 7 days for nonpayment of rent
- Relocation Assistance:
- Required in some no-fault termination circumstances
Security Deposit Laws
- Limit:
- 2 months' rent
- Return Deadline:
- 21 days (30 days if deductions claimed)
- Interest Required:
- No statewide requirement
- Itemization Required:
- Yes — written itemized statement required with any deductions
- Penalty For Wrongful Withholding:
- Double the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney fees
Repair & Habitability Laws
- Repair And Deduct:
- Yes — up to one month's rent after notice and failure to repair within 14 days
- Rent Withholding:
- Tenant may withhold rent into court escrow for material habitability failures
- Habitability Standard:
- Clean and habitable; housing code compliance; adequate heat (minimum 68°F required)
- Notice Required:
- 14 days written notice to landlord before invoking repair-and-deduct remedy
Tenant Harassment Laws
- Anti Harassment:
- Anti-retaliation statute; general tort law covers broader harassment
- Penalties:
- Tenant may recover actual damages and attorney fees for retaliatory conduct
- Retaliation Prohibited:
- Yes — actions within 6 months of protected activity presumed retaliatory
Notice & Entry Laws
- Notice Required:
- 24 hours advance notice for non-emergency entry
- Emergency Entry:
- Permitted without prior notice in emergency situations
- Permissible Reasons:
- Repairs, inspections, showing unit to prospective tenants or buyers
- Time Of Entry:
- Must be at a reasonable time
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.