Maine Rent Gouging Laws: What Renters Need to Know

If you’re renting in Maine and worried about high rent hikes, understanding rent gouging laws can help you protect your home and budget. While Maine does not have traditional statewide rent control, the state has laws against unfair or deceptive practices when it comes to rent increases. Here’s what you need to know to recognize if a rent increase may be considered rent gouging under Maine law and what actions you can take.

What is Rent Gouging in Maine?

Maine law does not set a strict cap on how much rent can be increased, but rent gouging is generally considered an excessive or unfair increase—especially during states of emergency, or when it violates consumer protection laws. If a landlord dramatically raises rent far above market rates, uses unfair tactics, or fails to follow required notice procedures, it may qualify as an unfair trade practice. During official emergencies (like a declared state-wide disaster), Maine’s price gouging statute can apply to rental housing.

Key Laws: Consumer Protection and Emergency Price Gouging

• Maine Consumer Protection Act (Title 5, Section 207): Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts, including some extreme rent increases.
• Maine Price Gouging During Emergencies (Title 10, Section 1105): Makes it illegal to raise the price (including rent) of goods and services unreasonably during a declared emergency.

Generally, landlords can ask for any rent unless it violates these statutes, discriminates, or breaks local ordinances. Note: Individual cities (like Portland and South Portland) may have their own rent control or caps during emergencies, so always check local rules.

Required Notice for Rent Increases

Maine requires landlords to give written notice before raising the rent of an at-will tenancy (month-to-month or week-to-week). The minimum notice required is 45 days in writing.

• See 14 M.R.S. § 6015: Notice of Rent Increase
• A landlord must deliver a written notice stating the new rental amount and effective date

If your landlord tries to increase the rent without proper notice, or if the increase feels unreasonable, you may have legal grounds to fight back.

Actions Renters Can Take If They Suspect Rent Gouging

• Check if there’s an emergency declaration in effect (statewide or local) – price gouging rules only apply under emergencies
• Compare your new rent amount to local average rents to see if it’s much higher than market rates
• Ask your landlord for a written explanation of the rent increase
• File a complaint with the Maine Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division if you suspect unfair or deceptive practices

You may also have the option to seek help from your town or city’s tenant board if there is one.

Key Official Complaint Form

• Consumer Complaint Form (No specific form number)
  • When to use: If you believe your landlord is engaging in unfair, deceptive, or price-gouging practices regarding rent.
  • How to use: Fill out and submit the online or printable form to the Maine Attorney General’s Consumer Division. For example, use it if your rent was suddenly doubled during a declared emergency without justification.
  • Access the Consumer Complaint Form (Maine AG)

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Maine?

Disputes about rent and landlord/tenant issues are typically handled by local district courts. The Maine District Court is where eviction (forcible entry & detainer) and most rental cases are heard.

Summary

Rent gouging isn’t strictly limited by a numerical cap in Maine, but the law protects renters from unfair, deceptive, or emergency-related price spikes. Always get rent increases in writing, check your city’s rules, and contact the Attorney General if you believe your rights have been violated.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rent Gouging in Maine

1. Does Maine have statewide rent control laws?
   Maine does not have a statewide rent control law, but some cities (like Portland) have local ordinances that limit rent increases. You should check your city’s municipal code for local rent control measures.
2. What should I do if I receive a very large rent increase?
   First, confirm you were given proper written notice (at least 45 days for month-to-month leases). If the increase feels excessive or was issued during an emergency, you may file a complaint with the Maine Attorney General for possible price gouging or unfair practices.
3. Are there official forms for reporting rent gouging in Maine?
   Yes. The Consumer Complaint Form allows you to report unfair rent increases or deceptive landlord conduct to the state Attorney General.
4. Can I be evicted for refusing an unlawful rent increase?
   No landlord can evict you for exercising your rights or for reporting suspected violations. However, if you decline a lawful rent increase with proper notice, your landlord may end your tenancy. Seek legal advice if you are served an eviction notice.
5. Who decides if a rent increase is “unfair” in Maine?
   The Maine Attorney General investigates unfair or deceptive acts under consumer protection law. Ultimately, disputes may be decided by the Maine District Court if legal proceedings are started.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maine Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division: Submit complaints and learn about unfair practices
• Maine District Courts: For legal action regarding landlord/tenant disputes
• Pine Tree Legal Assistance: Free legal help for renters and tenants in Maine
• Read the Maine Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

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1. Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act (Title 5, §207)
2. Maine Price Gouging During Emergencies (Title 10, §1105)
3. Notice of Rent Increase Requirements (14 M.R.S. § 6015)
4. Maine AG Consumer Complaint Form

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