Maine Repair & Habitability Laws
Maine landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition, including compliance with housing codes.
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Key Rules
- 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
Applicable Statutes
Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 14, § 6021
Warranty of habitability: landlord must deliver and maintain the premises in a clean and habitable condition and comply with all housing codes materially affecting health and safety.
Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 14, § 6026
Tenant remedies for landlord noncompliance: if landlord fails to repair after notice, tenant may terminate the rental agreement or have repairs made and deduct costs (up to one month's rent).
Legal Aid Resources
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