Maine landlords are required to provide a habitable living space and must make requested repairs in a timely manner (14 days). If they do not, then the tenant may take up to two forms of alternative action. They can make the repairs themselves and deduct up to $500 or half a month’s rent, or withhold rent.
Tenants who break a lease early may still be required to pay the remainder of the lease term unless the tenant finds a new tenant to fill the unit. Maine landlords are required to take reasonable steps to facilitate the re-rental process. Protected groups.
Landlords also have rights, such as the right to collect rent in a timely manner and the right to be reimbursed for damages to property that exceed normal wear and tear. Note: These rights exist regardless of a rental agreement stating otherwise.
In Maine, lease agreements can be either written or oral. According to Maine law (MRS Tit. 14 Ch. 709), a lease agreement grants tenants certain rights, such as the right to habitable premises and the right to take some forms of alternative action.
Sue your landlord in Small Claims Court. Ask your District Court clerk for a pamphlet explaining the steps. In your written complaint, ask the Court to order your landlord to pay you two times the deposit amount plus your court costs.
When you rent without a lease, you become a "tenant at will." Maine law gives you certain rights we will tell you about here. For example, to evict you, your landlord must give you time after a written notice and must get a court order if you are still not out. Read more about this in Rights of Maine Renters: Eviction.
In Maine, rental agreements can be either written or oral. According to Maine law (MRS Tit. 14 Ch. 709), a rental agreement gives tenants rights, including the right to a safe and habitable dwelling unit and the right to take some forms of alternative action.
Withhold Rent – Maine landlord tenant law allows a tenant in Maine to withhold rent in response to habitability issues. to make the repairs themselves and deduct the amount from their monthly rent upon submitting an itemized statement of expenses.
Maine Landlord Tenant Rights. In Maine, lease agreements can be either written or oral. According to Maine law ( MRS Tit. 14 Ch. 709 ), a lease agreement grants tenants certain rights, such as the right to habitable premises and the right to take some forms of alternative action. Landlords also have rights, such as the right to collect rent in ...
Tenant Responsibilities in Maine. Apart from paying rent in a timely manner, Maine tenants must: Keep the unit in a safe and habitable condition. Keep fixtures clean and sanitary. Perform minor maintenance and repairs. Not disturb other tenants or neighbors.
Maine landlords are required to provide a habitable living space and must make requested repairs in a timely manner (14 days). If they do not, then the tenant may take up to two forms of alternative action. They can make the repairs themselves and deduct up to $500 or half a month’s rent, or withhold rent.
Maine landlords must only provide “reasonable” notice before entering an occupied unit, which is normally interpreted as at least 24 hours. It is assumed that landlords do not need permission to enter an occupied property in the case of an emergency.
Illegal acts – Illegal activities are handled in the same manner as material lease violations. Landlords may issue a 7-Day Notice to Quit. If the terms of the notice are not met then the landlord may file for eviction.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, familial status, religion, sex, or disability. These rules do not apply to owner-occupied homes or homes operated by religious organizations. Maine state law add s one extra protection for tenants on the basis of sexual orientation.
Bed bugs. Landlords must disclose if the unit or any surrounding units have ever had a bed bug problem. Energy efficiency. Upon request, Maine landlords must disclose energy efficiency information; specifically a 12-month energy consumption and cost record.