Maine Rent Increase Rules: What Landlords Can and Cannot Do Mid-Lease

If you’re renting in Maine and your landlord is asking for a rent increase before your lease term ends, you may be wondering whether this is legal and what rights you have. Understanding Maine’s rules around rent increases mid-lease is crucial so you can protect your home and budget. This guide explains the law in clear terms, provides links to official resources, and outlines your next steps if you face a rent hike before your lease is up.

Can Landlords Raise Your Rent During a Fixed-Term Lease in Maine?

Under Maine Revised Statutes Title 14, § 6015, landlords generally cannot raise your rent in the middle of a fixed-term lease (for example, a 12-month lease) unless your lease specifically allows it. The rent amount and payment schedule set in your signed lease agreement are binding for the entire term.

• Fixed-term lease: Rent cannot be increased mid-lease unless the lease says otherwise.
• Month-to-month or week-to-week rentals: Rent can be increased, but only with proper written notice.

If your lease does not mention rent increases, your landlord must wait until the lease expires before raising your rent.

Notice Requirements for Rent Increases

For month-to-month (or at-will) tenants, Maine law requires landlords to give at least 45 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect. This applies to changes made outside of fixed-term leases.

• The written notice must include the new rent amount and when it will start.
• For fixed-term leases, any rent increase provision must be spelled out in your lease agreement.

Verbal notice or last-minute changes are not legally valid. Always get rent increase notices in writing.

What If a Landlord Tries to Raise Rent Mid-Lease?

If your landlord demands a rent increase during a fixed-term lease and your lease does not allow it, the increase is not enforceable.

• Check your lease document thoroughly for any clauses about rent increases during your lease term.
• If there is no such clause, you are not required to pay the increased rent until your current lease ends or you sign a new agreement.

If a Landlord Tries to Evict You for Refusing an Unlawful Increase

Maine law protects tenants from retaliatory eviction when asserting their legal rights. If you receive an eviction notice after refusing an unlawful rent hike, you can respond using official forms and seek help from legal services.

Relevant Forms for Maine Renters

• Notice to Quit (Form CR-215A): Used by landlords to give notice to end a tenancy. If you receive this after refusing a mid-lease rent increase, you have the right to respond. Access Maine court forms here.
• Answer to Complaint for Forcible Entry & Detainer (Eviction): Respond if you are served court papers as a result of a rent dispute. Find eviction response forms here. Complete and file this form if you wish to defend your tenancy.

Review official forms and instructions from Maine Judicial Branch.

Which body handles tenant-landlord disputes?

In Maine, residential housing matters are heard by the Maine District Court. If you need to challenge a rent increase or eviction, you can file your case there.

What Maine Law Says: Key Points from Legislation

• The main law covering rent increases is Maine Revised Statutes Title 14, § 6015.
• Landlords must provide 45 days’ written notice for any rent increase on at-will (month-to-month) tenancies.
• No mid-lease increases are allowed unless clearly written into your lease.

Always refer to your signed lease and the statutory tenant protections for additional rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord raise rent mid-lease in Maine?
   Generally no, unless your lease specifically says so. Fixed-term leases lock in your rent until the lease ends.
2. How much notice do landlords need to give for a rent increase?
   Landlords must provide at least 45 days’ written notice for rent increases on month-to-month agreements.
3. What should I do if I get a rent increase notice during my lease?
   Read your lease. If there’s no clause allowing it, let your landlord know in writing that it is not permitted under Maine law.
4. Where can I get help if my landlord tries to evict me after refusing a rent increase?
   Contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance or your nearest Maine District Court. Review the official forms and seek legal advice quickly.
5. What official forms do I need to respond to a rent-related eviction?
   Use the Answer to Complaint for Forcible Entry & Detainer form from the Maine courts website to formally respond.

Key Takeaways for Maine Renters

• Landlords cannot raise rent during a fixed-term lease unless your lease specifically allows it.
• Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 45 days’ written notice for rent increases.
• If you receive a rent increase you believe is unlawful, respond in writing and seek support from legal services.

Knowing your rights can help you avoid surprises and protect your living situation.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Pine Tree Legal Assistance – Free information and assistance for Maine renters
• Maine District Court – File or respond to official complaints (forcible entry & detainer forms and process)
• Maine Rental Laws (Title 14, Ch. 709) – Official state tenancy statutes
• Maine Department of Economic & Community Development – Housing Division

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1. Maine Revised Statutes Title 14, § 6015 – Notice of rent increase and termination of tenancy
2. Maine Rental Laws: Title 14, Chapter 709
3. Pine Tree Legal Assistance – Renters Rights
4. Maine Court Forms – Eviction and Response

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