Maine Repair & Habitability Laws
Maine landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition, including compliance with housing codes.
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
Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
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.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
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).
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Legal Aid Resources
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