Maine Co-Living: Rules, Forms & Renter Tips

Co-living spaces—where renters share kitchens, bathrooms, or living areas—are growing more common in Maine. Whether you’re considering moving into a co-living setup, already sharing a home, or managing a roommate dispute, it’s important to understand your rights, legal responsibilities, and the regulations that protect you as a renter in Maine.

Understanding Co-Living Regulations in Maine

Co-living spaces and other shared housing arrangements in Maine are governed by the state’s rental laws. These rules cover things like leases, occupancy limits, safety codes, and conflict resolution. The Maine Landlord-Tenant Act is the primary law outlining your rights and obligations as a tenant¹.

It’s helpful to know that co-living can include:

• Shared apartments with signed individual or group leases
• Room rentals in a single-family home
• Boarding or lodging houses (with more legal oversight)

Different setups may have unique rules under Maine housing law, especially regarding how many non-related people can live together and whether you’re considered a tenant, subtenant, or lodger.

Key Points About Leases in Shared Housing

• You have the right to a written lease; always ask for one.
• All adults living in the space should ideally be listed on the lease. This protects everyone’s rights.
• If you aren’t on the primary lease, you may be considered a subtenant and need special approval from the landlord.

Roommates, Subletting, and Adding Occupants

If you want to add a roommate or sublet your room, Maine law requires you to:

• Check your lease for any rules about guests, subletting, or additional roommates.
• Get written permission from your landlord before subletting unless your lease allows it automatically.
• Use the official Tenant Notification of Occupancy Change form to officially notify your landlord if required.

Notifying your landlord ensures you’re protected against surprise evictions or lease violations.

Official Forms for Shared Living Situations

• Tenant Notification of Occupancy Change (no number):
  Official Notification Letter
  Use this form to tell your landlord in writing when a new roommate moves in or out, or to request approval for a subtenant. For example, if you’ll be gone for the summer and want someone to take over your room, you or your existing housemates would fill out and send this form.
• Request for Repairs Form (see landlord/tenant section):
  Use this sample letter from the Maine Attorney General’s Office to formally request repairs or maintenance in shared spaces.
  Example: If a shared bathroom is unsafe, all roommates can sign and submit this letter to the landlord.

Resolving Common Issues in Maine Co-Living

Typical issues in shared rentals include cleaning, splitting bills, noise, or disagreements about privacy. However, legal issues like evictions, unauthorized roommates, or maintenance concerns should be handled following Maine housing law.

• Rent increases must follow proper rent increase notice requirements.
• Security deposit refunds are due within 30 days after move-out for tenancies with written leases.
• Roommates are generally considered "jointly and severally liable," meaning you can each be held responsible for rent or damages unless your lease states otherwise.

If there’s a serious issue, such as an eviction threat or unresolved repairs, you can contact the official tribunal for residential tenancy matters: the Maine District Court (Landlord-Tenant Division)².

Action Steps if Problems Arise

• Document issues and communications (keep written records and take photos if needed).
• Submit the proper notification form or letter to your landlord or property manager.
• Seek free legal advice if you face eviction or your landlord refuses basic repairs.
• If needed, file a formal complaint with the Maine District Court or local code enforcement.

Taking clear action helps protect your tenancy and may quickly resolve disputes in shared housing.

FAQ: Maine Co-Living and Shared Housing

1. Do I need my landlord’s permission to add a roommate in Maine?
   Yes—in most cases, your lease controls who can live in your unit, so always check your agreement and provide written notice or request as required.
2. What happens if a roommate doesn’t pay their share of rent?
   All tenants listed on the lease are usually jointly responsible for the entire rent, so the landlord may pursue payment from any or all roommates.
3. Can a landlord evict just one roommate in Maine?
   Usually, if all names are on the lease, an eviction notice will apply to all residents. If a subtenant violated just their agreement, individual eviction may be possible.
4. How do I get a security deposit back when I move out of shared housing?
   After all tenants move out, the landlord must send the security deposit within 30 days (if you had a written lease)—be sure to request and provide a forwarding address.
5. What should I do if the shared space is unsafe or not repaired?
   Document the issue, submit a written request for repairs, and contact your local code enforcement or the Maine Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division if there’s no response.

Key Takeaways for Maine Renters in Co-Living Spaces

• Understand your lease and always notify your landlord about new or departing roommates.
• Use official forms and written records for all communication.
• If issues arise, follow Maine’s legal process—documentation and official notices are your best protection.

Being informed helps you resolve co-living concerns quickly and ensures your rights are secure.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maine Attorney General’s Guide to Tenant Rights
• Maine District Court – Landlord-Tenant Division (handles disputes and eviction cases)
• Pine Tree Legal Assistance – Free legal help for Maine renters
• Maine Housing Code Enforcement Contacts – For unsafe or overcrowded living conditions

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1. Maine Landlord-Tenant Act (14 M.R.S. Chapter 709)
2. Maine District Court Landlord-Tenant Division

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