Landlord’s Right To Entry in Maine

Landlord’s Right To Entry in Maine

Last Updated: May 22, 2024 by Roberto Valenzuela

Legal Reasons for Entry
  • Inspections
  • Improvements (incl. decoration)
  • Maintenance
  • Property Showings
  • Emergencies
Notice Requirement
  • Usually 24 Hours, Written or Verbal
  • None Needed for Emergencies
Penalties for Illegal Entry
  • Court Injunction
  • Cost of Damages
  • Breaking the Lease
  • Court + Legal Fees

Does a Landlord Have the Right To Enter a Rental Property in Maine?

In Maine, the landlord has a right to enter a rental property for the following reasons:

  • Inspecting the property
  • Improvements (including decorations)
  • Maintenance and repairs
  • Showing the property to potential renters and buyers
  • Emergencies

Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Maine?

Maine landlords can legally enter a rental property without the tenant’s permission, but only in emergencies or when there’s a provable reason it’s not practically possible to get the renter’s consent.

Can a Landlord Enter Without the Tenant Present in Maine?

Maine landlords can legally enter a rental property without the tenant present.

Can a Landlord Show a House While Occupied in Maine?

Maine landlords can show an occupied house. The renter can’t unreasonably refuse.

How Often Can Landlords Conduct Routine Inspections in Maine?

Maine landlords have no specific limit on how they can enter for inspections. The landlord isn’t allowed to enter unreasonably often, but what’s reasonable gets decided case by case.

How Much Notice Does a Landlord Need To Provide in Maine?

Maine landlords must provide reasonable advance notice of an intention to enter. The law presumes 24 hours is reasonable, unless there’s a provable reason to justify a different amount of notice.

Can a Landlord Enter Without Notice in Maine?

Maine landlords can only enter without notice in emergencies, or when there’s a provable reason it’s not practically possible to contact the renter. The law specifies that risk to the welfare of an animal qualifies as an emergency that lets the landlord enter without notice.

How Can Landlords Notify Tenants of an Intention To Enter in Maine?

Maine landlords can notify tenants verbally or in writing about an intention to enter.

Can a Tenant Refuse Entry to a Landlord in Maine?

Maine tenants can refuse a landlord’s entry for most purposes except emergencies and similar situations. However, for legally allowed purposes like repairs, the tenant can’t refuse entry unless there are substantively reasonable grounds to do so (for example, if the landlord intends non-essential repairs at 2:00AM).

What Happens If the Tenant Illegally Refuses Entry to the Landlord in Maine?

Maine landlords might do any of the following if a tenant illegally refuses entry:

  • Get a court order to force access
  • Deliver a 7-day eviction notice (if the tenant refuses needed repairs)
  • Recover cost of any actual damages

Can a Tenant Change the Locks Without Permission in Maine?

Maine tenants can change locks without permission unless the lease prohibits it. However, the landlord can enter using reasonable force, and evict, if tenants don’t give notice of the rekey and promptly provide new keys within 48 hours (72 hours, when they’re changing locks after domestic or sexual abuse).

What Can a Tenant Do If the Landlord Enters Illegally in Maine?

Maine tenants can do any of the following, if the landlord enters illegally:

  • Get a court order to ban the landlord from entering
  • Recover attorney fees from the landlord (when the landlord contests the action)
  • Recover cost of any actual damages, or $100 (whichever is greater)

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