Maine Tenant Rights for Short-Term Vacation Rentals

Short-term vacation rentals are growing in popularity across Maine, especially in high-demand tourist regions. If you're renting a property for less than 30 days—whether via Airbnb, VRBO, or another platform—it's important to know your rights as a tenant. Maine has specific rules about landlord-tenant relationships even in short-term arrangements, and protections may still apply to you depending on your situation. This guide will help renters understand their rights and the official resources available in Maine.

What Qualifies as a Short-Term Vacation Rental in Maine?

In Maine, a "short-term rental" generally means a residential property rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days. This can include single-family homes, apartments, cottages, or rooms. Vacation rentals might not always be subject to the same landlord-tenant laws as typical long-term leases, but some basic protections still apply.

Which Maine Laws Apply to Short-Term Rentals?

Most standard Maine Landlord and Tenant law (14 M.R.S.A. Chapter 709) applies only to rentals with a lease or tenancy of more than 30 days. However, certain consumer protection and local laws may still protect short-term renters, especially around safety, health, and privacy.

Key Rules for Short-Term Tenants

• Right to a Safe, Habitable Rental: All rental properties must meet basic health and safety standards, regardless of rental length.
• Privacy Laws: Maine law prohibits landlords from entering your rental without notice unless it's an emergency, even for short stays.
• Security Deposits: If you paid a security deposit, it must be returned within 21 days after your stay ends, minus any justified deductions.
• Local Rules: Many Maine towns have their own short-term rental ordinances—check with your city or town clerk for any guest rights and licensing requirements.

For full details about general rental rights, see the Maine Attorney General’s Renter Rights Guide.

Typical Issues Short-Term Renters Face

• Sudden cancellations by hosts or landlords
• Problems with unsafe or poorly maintained properties
• Disputes over security deposit returns
• Confusion over eviction or removal during a stay

If you experience any of these problems, you're not alone—understanding your rights can help protect you.

What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated

If you believe your short-term rental rights have been violated in Maine, you have options for recourse. While the Maine District Court is the main tribunal handling rental disputes, many vacation-rental issues are best handled first by contacting your landlord or platform (like Airbnb or VRBO).

Official Forms and Complaints

• Security Deposit Dispute Letter – Maine does not have a standardized form, but you may write a signed letter demanding return of your deposit after your stay, referencing 14 M.R.S.A. § 6033. Send it to the host by certified mail. If not resolved, you may file a small claims action.
• Maine District Court Small Claims Form (CV-070) – Used to recover money (like a security deposit) up to $6,000. Small Claims forms and instructions are available from the Maine Judicial Branch. Complete and file at your local District Court.
• Consumer Complaint Form – If the issue involves unfair or deceptive practices, file via the Maine Attorney General’s Consumer Complaint portal. Attach evidence and describe the issue clearly.

Practical example: If your host withholds your deposit, write a certified demand letter. If not returned within 21 days, use the Small Claims Complaint (CV-070) linked above.

Eviction and Removal

Eviction rules are different for stays of fewer than 30 days. Hosts may ask you to leave at the end of your booking, unless a written contract says otherwise. For forced removal during your reservation, the landlord must follow legal process. You can contact local law enforcement if you’re being locked out without cause or notice.

Summary of Your Rights as a Maine Vacation Renter

• You have the right to a clean and safe property, even during a short stay.
• Your deposit—if collected—must be returned or properly accounted for within 21 days.
• Landlords cannot evict you mid-stay without due process or notice, unless you violate clear rental rules.
• Disputes can be addressed through Maine’s District Courts and the Attorney General’s office.

FAQ: Maine Short-Term Vacation Rental Rights

1. Do Maine tenant rights apply to rentals less than 30 days?
   Maine’s main landlord-tenant laws mostly apply to rentals longer than 30 days, but you still retain basic rights to safety, deposit return, and privacy in shorter stays.
2. Can my host keep my security deposit after a short-term stay?
   No—unless there is damage beyond normal use, your host must return your deposit within 21 days. You can demand its return under Maine law.
3. What if my host tries to remove me before my reservation ends?
   The host must follow legal procedures and your agreed terms. You cannot be forced out mid-stay without good reason—even for short-term rentals.
4. How do I file a complaint about a Maine vacation rental?
   Start by contacting the host or platform, then submit a complaint to the Maine Attorney General for consumer issues, or use Maine District Court small claims forms if owed money.
5. Where can I find official rules for Maine short-term rentals?
   Check the Maine Landlord and Tenant Act and your town’s ordinances for local rules.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maine District Court – Handles rental disputes, small claims, and eviction cases.
• Maine Attorney General Consumer Complaint – For unfair or deceptive rental practices.
• Attorney General’s Guide to Consumer Rental Rights – Comprehensive resource for tenants.
• Your local city or town hall – For questions about specific short-term rental ordinances.

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1. Maine Landlord and Tenant Act (14 M.R.S.A. Chapter 709)
2. Maine District Court
3. Maine Attorney General—Tenant Rights
4. Consumer Complaint Portal – Maine AG

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