Is Rent Control Legal in Maine? 2025 Guide for Renters

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Maine and facing a rent increase, you may wonder if the state has rent control or protections for tenants. This updated 2025 guide explains the current law on rent control, what your rights are as a Maine renter, and what steps you can take if your rent goes up or you have concerns about your lease.

Rent Control and Rent Stabilization in Maine

As of 2025, Maine does not have statewide rent control or rent stabilization laws. While a few states and cities in the U.S. limit how much landlords can raise rent, Maine does not impose a cap or strict rules on rent increases in most situations. This means landlords in Maine can generally set rents and increase them at their discretion, as long as they provide proper notice and do not discriminate.

• There are no state laws that restrict how much a landlord can increase rent in a year.
• Rent increases must comply with the rental agreement and applicable notice requirements.
• Local city governments in Maine do not have authority to enact rent control without state legislation.

To read the official guidance on rent increases, visit the Maine Attorney General’s Consumer Law Guide: Rights of Tenants in Maine.

How Much Notice Must a Landlord Give for a Rent Increase in Maine?

Even though landlords aren’t restricted by a cap, Maine law does require landlords to give advance written notice before raising the rent for most tenancies. Under Maine Revised Statutes, Title 14, Chapter 709:

• For month-to-month renters, landlords must provide at least 45 days’ written notice before any rent increase takes effect.
• This notice must be delivered to you in person or by mail.
• For leases with a set term, increases can only occur as outlined in your lease agreement.

If you receive a rent increase notice that does not comply with the 45-day requirement, you may have the right to dispute it or request clarification.

Can Cities or Towns in Maine Enact Their Own Rent Control?

Currently, no city or town in Maine has local rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. Maine law does not grant local governments the power to create rent control legislation without express authorization by the state legislature. If you are told a local city has rent control, confirm this with your city’s housing or code enforcement office.

Your Other Protections as a Maine Renter

While Maine doesn’t have rent caps, renters are still protected by other state laws covering:

• Required written notices for rent increases and non-renewals
• Prohibition on retaliation: Landlords cannot increase rent because you exercised a legal right, such as reporting code violations
• Prohibition on discriminatory rent increases (based on race, gender, disability, etc.) under state and federal fair housing laws
• Rules on eviction and security deposits under Maine’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Key Official Forms for Maine Renters

• 45-Day Rent Increase Notice
  This is not an official state-issued form, but landlords are required to give it in writing. If your landlord increases your rent, ask for written notice specifying the new amount and effective date.
  Example: Your landlord mails or hands you a letter stating, "Effective August 1, 2025, your monthly rent will increase to $1,200."
• Complaint for Protection from Retaliation (if applicable)
  While there is no single statewide form, you may use a sample letter (provided by Pine Tree Legal Assistance) to assert your rights or file a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission if retaliation or discrimination is suspected.
• Eviction (Forcible Entry and Detainer) Forms
  If your landlord tries to evict you with an improper or retaliatory rent increase, eviction actions are handled through local District Courts. Forms and instructions are available from the Maine Judicial Branch Landlord-Tenant Resource page.

Who Regulates Tenant-Landlord Issues in Maine?

The Maine Judicial Branch District Court is the main official body handling rental disputes, evictions, and legal complaints between landlords and tenants in Maine.

See the full details in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 14, Chapter 709: Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.¹

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Maine have rent control in 2025?
   No, Maine does not have statewide or local rent control. Rent increases are not capped, but proper notice is required.
2. How much notice do I get for a rent increase?
   Landlords must provide at least 45 days’ written notice before raising rent on a month-to-month rental.
3. Can my landlord raise my rent for any reason?
   Generally yes, as long as it’s not for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons and proper notice is given.
4. Where can I go if I think my rights were violated?
   You may contact the Maine Judicial Branch District Court, Pine Tree Legal Assistance, or the Maine Human Rights Commission for help.
5. Is there an official rent increase notice form in Maine?
   No, but notification must be in writing and meet the 45-day advanced notice rule for most rentals.

Key Takeaways for Maine Renters

• Maine does not have rent control or rent stabilization in 2025.
• Landlords must provide 45 days’ notice before raising rent for month-to-month renters.
• Protections exist against discriminatory and retaliatory rent increases.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maine Judicial Branch: Landlord & Tenant Information
• Maine Attorney General: Rights of Tenants in Maine
• Pine Tree Legal Assistance – Free support to low-income Maine renters
• Maine Human Rights Commission – Fair housing and discrimination complaints

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1. Maine Revised Statutes, Title 14, Chapter 709: Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Maine Attorney General: Consumer Law Guide – Rights of Tenants in Maine
3. Maine Judicial Branch District Court
4. Maine Human Rights Commission

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