- Rent Control / Increase Limitations. Maine state landlords can raise rent only after the lease has ended.
- Notice Required to Raise Rent. For month-to-month tenancies, Maine landlords must provide 45 days’ notice from next rent due date.
- Late Rent Fees. Maine state landlords may charge up to 4% of the month’s rent for late payment.
When Can a Landlord Increase Rent?
A landlord in the state of Maine may not increase rent during the term of a lease. However, a landlord may increase rent on a tenant renting without the benefit of a lease so long as the appropriate notice is provided.
When is it Illegal to Raise Rent?
According to the Federal Fair Housing Act, it is illegal for a Maine landlord to raise rent based on the age, race, religion, nation or origin, familial status, or disability status of a tenant.
Rent cannot be increased if the dwelling unit is in violation of the warranty of habitability, unless it was directly caused by the tenant. (MRS Title 14 §6016)
Is there a Rent Increase Limit?
Maine does not legislate rent increases.
How Much Notice is Needed for Raising Rent?
A landlord may increase rent on an “at-will” tenant so long as a 45-Day Notice is provided to the tenant before the increased rent is expected. (MRS Title 14 § 6015)
Cities may impose different notice requirements, for instance, in Portland, Maine landlords must give 75 days’ notice.
For a FREE rent increase notice template, click here.
How Often Can Rent Be Increased?
Maine does not legislate the frequency of rent increases.
Laws Regarding Late Fees
A Maine landlord may charge late fees that do not exceed 4% of the month’s rent so long as the fees are written in the lease. A landlord can collect the late fees 15 days after the date the payment is due. (Maine Title 14 § 6028)
Laws Regarding Bounced Check Fees
A Maine landlord may charge a tenant up to 12% per annum from the date of the payment plus any court costs and processing charges incurred in relation to a bounced rental check. (Maine Title § 14 6071)
Cities in the State with Rent Control
The Rent Control Ordinance went into effect on January 1, 2021 and establishes a base rate rent for all dwelling units in Portland, Maine (including short term rentals). The Rent Control Ordinance allows for an increase in rent up to 10% and under the following circumstances:
- An annual increase percentage that is equal to the change in the Consumer Price Index.
- Tax rate rent adjustment for property tax rate changes.
- New tenancy. A landlord may increase rent by 5% for new occupancy.
- If a landlord could have increased rent in previous years but did not, they may now increase rent by this amount at a later date.
- Additional increases with the Rent Board’s approval.
The Rent Control Ordinance has also brought a Rent Board where complaints will be heard and rent increase requests can be made.
Check your local laws for more information on rental control.
