Maine landlords who need to remove tenants must understand the Maine eviction process and laws from start to finish. Knowing how each step works helps property owners act quickly and lawfully when a tenant fails to pay rent or breaks a lease agreement.
This guide walks through every stage of the process, from serving notices to attending court. It also highlights key landlord-tenant laws that outline both landlord and tenant rights, giving landlords the confidence to manage evictions properly.
How Maine Law Defines Eviction
An eviction in Maine happens when a landlord legally reclaims possession of a rental property through the courts. Landlords must follow strict procedures to ensure every step meets state requirements and holds up in court.
Eviction rules appear in the Maine Revised Statutes Title 14, Chapter 709, which outlines how landlords can file a forcible entry and detainer case, the required notices, and the legal process for removing a tenant.
Eviction With Just Cause
In Maine, “just cause” means a lawful reason for ending a tenancy, such as unpaid rent, a broken lease term, or significant property damage. Landlords must always meet specific legal standards before moving forward with an eviction.
Maine landlords can evict tenants for just cause when the rental unit is subject to rent control or government-subsidized housing programs. Valid reasons include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, creating ongoing disturbances, or using the property for illegal activity. Each case requires proper written notice and a court filing before removal.
For landlords, documenting just cause from the start helps keep the process lawful and organized. Records of notices, lease breaches, and tenant communication serve as crucial evidence if the case reaches court.
Applicable law: M.R.S. Title 14, Chapter 709, M.R.S. Title 14, § 6002
No-Fault Evictions
In Maine, a landlord may choose not to renew a fixed-term lease upon its expiration. The tenancy will simply end automatically at the lease’s expiration date, and the landlord does not need to give a reason as long as proper notice is provided.
For tenants on Maine month-to-month lease agreement, a landlord may end the tenancy without cause by giving at least 30 days’ written notice before the termination date. The notice must include the date the tenancy will end and meet all state notice requirements.
Applicable law: M.R.S. Title 14, § 6002, M.R.S. Title 14, Chapter 709
Grounds for Eviction in Maine
Landlords in Maine may evict tenants for several lawful reasons that state law specifically recognizes, including:
Non-Payment of Rent
In Maine, tenants receive a 15-day grace period after rent is due before the payment becomes late. When a tenant fails to pay within that time, the landlord may issue a 7-Day Notice to Quit. This notice gives the tenant one final chance to pay the full amount owed or leave the property.
By acting promptly when the grace period ends, landlords protect their income and keep the eviction process on track under Maine law.
Applicable law: M.R.S. Title 14, § 6002(1)
Lease Violations
A rental agreement outlines the expectations and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. When a tenant breaches those terms, landlords in Maine have the right to begin eviction proceedings in court.
Common examples of lease violations include:
- Keeping a large dog in a no-pet apartment after receiving written warnings from the landlord.
- Listing the property on a short-term rental website without the landlord’s permission.
- Painting the kitchen cabinets bright blue without authorization, creating repair costs after move-out.
A lease agreement protects both landlords and tenants by keeping expectations clear. Understanding and enforcing the lease terms helps landlords prevent costly disputes and maintain well-managed properties.
Applicable law: M.R.S. Title 14, § 6002(1), M.R.S. Title 14, Chapter 709
Illegal Use of the Premises
Maine law allows landlords to evict tenants who use the rental property for illegal purposes. When a tenant engages in unlawful behavior such as growing marijuana without a license, selling drugs, running a gambling ring, or hiding stolen goods, the landlord may immediately begin the eviction process through the court.
Acting quickly in these situations protects the property, limits liability, and helps maintain a safe environment for all tenants.
Applicable law: M.R.S. Title 14, § 6002(1), M.R.S. Title 14, Chapter 709
Tenant Actions that Threaten Health or Safety
Maine law allows landlords to evict tenants who create conditions that threaten the health or safety of others on the property. Tenants must keep the rental clean, remove trash regularly, and follow basic safety standards outlined under the state’s warranty of habitability.
Common examples of health and safety violations in Maine include:
- Letting garbage or food waste pile up, attracting rodents or insects.
- Removing or turning off smoke detectors or carbon monoxide alarms.
- Ignoring leaks or moisture problems that lead to mold growth.
When these problems occur, landlords should document the issue, deliver a written notice to correct it, and, if the tenant refuses to fix it, file an eviction in court.
Applicable law: M.R.S. Title 14, § 6021, M.R.S. Title 14, § 6002(1)
Destruction or Neglect of the Rental Unit
Maine law gives landlords the right to evict tenants who cause significant damage to a rental unit or neglect it in a way that leads to costly repairs. Damage might include broken doors or fixtures, holes in the walls, or water damage caused by ignored leaks.
To prove property damage, landlords should collect clear evidence before filing for eviction. Photos, written repair estimates, and dated records of tenant communication all help demonstrate the extent of the problem and protect the landlord’s case in court.
Applicable law: M.R.S. Title 14, § 6002(1), M.R.S. Title 14, § 6021
Tenant is in a Month-to-Month Rental Contract
In Maine, landlords may end a month-to-month rental agreement without giving a reason. To do so, the landlord must deliver at least 30 days’ written notice before the date the tenant must move out, using the correct Notice to Quit form.
If the tenant does not vacate by the deadline, the landlord can file an eviction case in court to regain possession of the rental property. Acting within the proper timeline ensures the process stays lawful and straightforward.
Applicable law: M.R.S. Title 14, § 6002(1)
Step-by-Step Eviction Process in Maine
The eviction process in Maine follows a clear legal structure that landlords must complete before taking back possession of a rental property. Each step requires proper notice, documentation, and court approval to ensure the eviction remains valid under state law.
Here are the steps landlords must take:
1. Deliver Notice to the Tenant
The first step in the Maine eviction process begins when the landlord identifies the grounds for eviction and serves the proper written notice. The notice must explain the violation, specify how many days the tenant has to fix it (if allowed), and make clear that the landlord will proceed with eviction if the issue is not resolved.
When rent goes unpaid, a tenant can correct the issue by paying the full balance within the required time. For more serious issues, such as illegal activity or major property damage, the landlord cannot proceed with the violation until the notice period ends. Each notice must be delivered in accordance with Maine law, either in person, by a sheriff, or by another court-approved method.
Notice Forms & Timelines
- 7-Day Notice to Quit (Nonpayment of Rent): Used when a tenant fails to pay rent. The tenant must pay in full or move out within 7 days.
- 7-Day Notice to Quit (Lease Violation or Illegal Activity): Used when a tenant breaks a lease term, causes severe damage, or engages in illegal activity. These violations cannot be cured.
- 30-Day Notice to Quit (Month-to-Month Tenancy): Used when ending a month-to-month rental without cause. The landlord must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before the tenancy ends.
Applicable law: M.R.S. Title 14, § 6002, M.R.S. Title 14, Chapter 709
2. File an Eviction Lawsuit Against the Tenant
When the notice period ends or the tenant fails to correct a violation, the landlord will file a Forcible Entry and Detainer complaint with the Maine District Court. This action begins the formal eviction case and asks the court to return possession of the property to the landlord.
The landlord will pay a filing fee of around $100, depending on the county. After filing, the court clerk will issue a summons and schedule a hearing, usually within 7 to 10 days after the tenant receives notice of the lawsuit. The landlord should keep all related documents and court notices organized for this stage of the process.
Applicable law: M.R.S. Title 14, § 6003, M.R.S. Title 14, Chapter 709
3. Serve Court Summons Paperwork to the Tenant
After the Maine District Court clerk sets a hearing date, the landlord will arrange for a county sheriff or authorized constable to serve the Forcible Entry and Detainer summons and complaint to the tenant. The officer will complete a Return of Service form confirming that the tenant received the paperwork, and the landlord will file this document with the court before the hearing.
Once served, the tenant is not required to file a written response but must appear in court on the scheduled date. Both the landlord and tenant will attend the hearing, where the judge will review the facts and decide whether to grant the landlord possession of the rental property.
Applicable law: M.R.S. Title 14, § 6004, M.R.S. Title 14, Chapter 709
4. Attend the Eviction Hearing
When the court date arrives, both the landlord and tenant, or their attorneys, will appear before a Maine District Court judge for the eviction hearing. Each side will present its case, including documents such as the lease agreement, rent payment history, and any written notices. The landlord will explain the reason for eviction and show that all steps in the legal process were followed correctly.
During the hearing, the judge will review all evidence and may ask questions to clarify details. The judge may also request additional records, witness testimony, or photos to confirm the facts. Both parties will have the chance to speak before the court reviews everything and prepares to make a ruling.
Applicable law: M.R.S. Title 14, § 6005, M.R.S. Title 14, Chapter 709
5. Court Reaches a Ruling
After reviewing all testimony, evidence, and documentation, the judge will make a ruling on the eviction case. In Maine, this decision typically happens at the end of the hearing or within a few days, depending on the court’s schedule. The ruling will determine whether the tenant must leave the property or can remain in the rental.
If the judge rules in the tenant’s favor, the tenant will remain in the property. If the judge rules in favor of the landlord, the court will issue a Judgment for Possession, giving the landlord the legal right to repossess the rental unit. The tenant will have 7 days from the judgment date to file an appeal with the Superior Court if they want to challenge the decision.
Applicable law: M.R.S. Title 14, § 6005, M.R.S. Title 14, § 6008
6. Judge Issues a Writ of Possession
When the judge issues the landlord a Judgment for Possession, they will be allowed to obtain a Writ of Possession. This document grants the county sheriff the authority to remove the tenant from the property if the tenant does not move out voluntarily. Under Maine law, the writ takes effect 7 days after the judgment, giving the tenant one final chance to leave on their own.
Applicable law: M.R.S. Title 14, § 6007, M.R.S. Title 14, Chapter 709
7. Law Enforcement Executes the Writ of Possession
If the 7-day deadline passes and the tenant still refuses to leave, the county sheriff will step in to enforce the eviction. In Maine, only the sheriff or a deputy sheriff (not the landlord) has the authority to execute a Writ of Possession. Once law enforcement arrives, they will remove the tenant and return full possession of the rental unit to the landlord.
If the tenant leaves personal belongings behind, Maine law requires the landlord to store those items for at least 7 days. During that time, the tenant can reclaim their property by covering reasonable storage and removal costs. After 7 days, the landlord may dispose of or sell unclaimed items in accordance with the law.
Applicable law: M.R.S. Title 14, § 6013, M.R.S. Title 14, § 6007
Tenant Defense Against Eviction in Maine
An eviction can create lasting challenges for tenants, including damaged credit, trouble renting in the future, and emotional strain for families. While eviction is sometimes unavoidable, landlords should understand that tenants in Maine have the right to defend themselves in court.
Common tenant defenses include proving that rent was paid on time, showing that a landlord did not comply with proper notice requirements, or demonstrating that the property was not kept in habitable condition. Tenants who communicate clearly, document every step, and follow state law reduce the risk of disputes and court delays.
If a tenant seeks legal help, they may contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance. This statewide organization provides free or low-cost legal aid to Maine residents facing eviction or other housing-related issues.
Timelines to Expect
In Maine, an eviction can be completed in 1 to 2 months but can take longer depending on the reason for eviction, whether the eviction is contested, which days courts are (or aren’t) in session and other various possible delays.
Below are the parts of the Maine eviction process that are outside landlords’ control for uncontested cases.
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Initial Notice Period | 7-30 Calendar Days |
| Court Issuing Summons | 7 Business Days |
| Court Serving Summons | 7 Business Days |
| Court Ruling | 10 Business Days |
| Court Serving Writ of Possession | 7 Business Days |
| Final Notice Period | 48 Hours |
Flowchart of the Maine Eviction Process
Typical Court Fees
The average cost of an eviction in Maine for all filing, court, and service fees is $172. However, the cost can vary heavily based on the process server’s fee. Evictions shall be filed in District Court.
| Fee | Cost |
| Initial Court Filing | $105 |
| Summons Service | $16+ |
| Writ of Possession Service | $16+ |
| Writ of Possession Execution | $40 |
| Notice of Appeal Filing (Optional) | $175 |
Navigate the Maine Eviction Process
Staying organized from the start makes the eviction process smoother and helps prevent mistakes. Property management software can help landlords track payments, store lease documents, send notices, and maintain a clear record of communication throughout the eviction.
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