If a rental property in Maine fails to meet legally required health and safety standards, tenants have the right to report their landlord to local public officials who may choose to follow up, inspect the property and cite the landlord for such violations.
What Are Considered Unsafe Living Conditions in Maine?
In Maine, unsafe living conditions exist when a rental property doesn’t have safe and working:
- Required heating.
- Common areas.
- Features impacting health, safety, or habitability.
What Should Tenants Do Before Reporting a Violation in Maine?
In most cases, before reporting a violation, a tenant in Maine must notify the landlord in writing about the issue and ask him to fix it within a reasonable time (14 days, when the tenant is expressing an intention to repair and deduct if the landlord fails to repair).
How Can Tenants Report a Violation in Maine?
Tenants in Maine should report violations to the local office or officers responsible for housing code enforcement. The exact process depends on municipality.
| Location | Organization | Contact |
| Portland | Permitting & Inspections | Online Form |
| Lewiston | Planning & Code Enforcement | (207) 513-3125 |
| Bangor | Code Enforcement | Online Form |
After receiving a complaint, an inspecting officer might contact the tenant for more information. Then the officer will usually inspect the property and cite the landlord for any code violations.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Portland?
A tenant in Portland can report a health or safety violation by calling Permitting & Inspections at (207) 874-8703 or using the provided online form. Confirm a location and select a topic. Most issues fall under “Housing Violation” or “Landlord/Tenant Issues.” Describe the issue, select contact information, and submit.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Lewiston?
A tenant in Lewiston can report a health or safety violation by calling Planning & Code Enforcement at (207) 513-3125. Be ready to provide a location, detailed description of the issue, and contact information.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Bangor?
A tenant in Bangor can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (207) 992-4230 or using the online form. Most issues will fall under “Housing/Neighborhood Issues.” Enter a location, describe the issue, provide contact information, and submit. Account creation is optional but enables request updates.
What Could Happen to a Landlord After a Complaint Is Made in Maine?
After a tenant files a complaint about unsafe living conditions in Maine, an officer may inspect the property. The landlord must fix noted code violations, within a maximum of 30 days. Otherwise, the landlord could be fined and the local government might file to condemn the property.
Sources
- 1 Maine Rev. Stat. § 6021(2) (2022)
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“In any written or oral agreement for rental of a dwelling unit, the landlord shall be deemed to covenant and warrant that the dwelling unit is fit for human habitation.”
Source Link - 2 Maine Rev. Stat. § 6021(6) (2022)
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“It is a breach of the implied warranty of fitness for human habitation when the landlord is obligated by agreement or lease to provide heat for a dwelling unit and: A. The landlord maintains an indoor temperature which is so low as to be injurious to the health of occupants not suffering from abnormal medical conditions; B. The dwelling unit’s heating facilities are not capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit at a distance of 3 feet from the exterior walls, 5 feet above floor level at an outside temperature of minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit; or C. The heating facilities are not operated so as to protect the building equipment and systems from freezing.”
Source Link - 3 Maine Rev. Stat. § 6021(3) (2022)
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“If a condition exists in a dwelling unit which renders the dwelling unit unfit for human habitation, then a tenant may file a complaint… that: A. A condition, which shall be described, endangers or materially impairs the health or safety of the tenants; B. The condition was not caused by the tenant or another person acting under his control; C. Written notice of the condition without unreasonable delay, was given to the landlord or to the person who customarily collects rent on behalf of the landlord; D. The landlord unreasonably failed under the circumstances to take prompt, effective steps to repair or remedy the condition; and E. The tenant was current in rental payments owing to the landlord at the time written notice was given. The notice requirement of paragraph C may be satisfied by actual notice to the person who customarily collects rents on behalf of the landlord.”
Source Link - 4 Maine Rev. Stat. § 6026(2) (2022)
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“If a landlord fails to maintain a rental unit in compliance with the standards of subsection 1 and the reasonable cost of compliance is less than $500 or an amount equal to 1/2 the monthly rent, whichever is greater, the tenant shall notify the landlord in writing of the tenant’s intention to correct the condition at the landlord’s expense. If the landlord fails to comply within 14 days after being notified by the tenant in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested, or as promptly as conditions require in case of emergency, the tenant may cause the work to be done with due professional care with the same quality of materials as are being repaired.”
Source Link