South Portland, ME local landlord rules
State law also applies. See Maine landlord-tenant law and the Maine landlord FAQ. State rules: Security deposit limit · Deposit return deadline · Notice to enter · Late fees · Eviction notice (nonpayment) · Rent increase notice.
Quick facts
| Topic | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Short-term rentals (Airbnb) | Yes. Since January 1, 2019, no one may run a hosted or non-hosted home stay without first registering the dwelling unit, or authorized ADU, with the City Clerk. Short-term rentals that don't comply with the chapter are prohibited. Where each type is allowed depends on the structure and zoning district, per Table 14-805; for example, non-hosted stays in two- to four-family buildings are limited to non-residential zones. |
Details & sources
Short-term rentals (Airbnb)
Yes. Since January 1, 2019, no one may run a hosted or non-hosted home stay without first registering the dwelling unit, or authorized ADU, with the City Clerk. Short-term rentals that don't comply with the chapter are prohibited. Where each type is allowed depends on the structure and zoning district, per Table 14-805; for example, non-hosted stays in two- to four-family buildings are limited to non-residential zones.
Verified Source: South Portland Code ch. 14, art. XVII, §§ 14-803, 14-804, 14-805 · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Research coverage
0 of 13 topics checked at the local level (state law is covered on the state page). A topic counts as checked only when every subtopic in it is checked or no additional requirement was found after a recorded full read. How coverage works.
| Topic | Status | Subtopics done |
|---|---|---|
| Deposits | Not researched | 0 of 2 |
| Deposit return deadlines | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Rent increases and rent control | Not researched | 0 of 1 |
| Late fees | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Landlord entry | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Repairs and habitability | Not researched | 0 of 1 |
| Screening and application fees | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Fair housing and assistance animals | Not researched | 0 of 1 |
| Disclosures | Not researched | 0 of 2 |
| Renewal and termination | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Eviction | Not researched | 0 of 3 |
| Registration and licensing | Not researched | 0 of 3 |
| Short-term rentals | Partially researched | 1 of 2 |
Also applies statewide
Maine rules that also apply in South Portland:
- Security deposit limit
- May not exceed 2 months' rent. Separately, at move-in a landlord, agent or broker may not require more than the first full month's rent, the security deposit and properly disclosed mandatory recurring fees (§ 6022-A). Verified Source: 14 M.R.S. §§ 6032, 6022-A · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Maine security deposit limit page
- Deposit return deadline
- Written lease: within the time stated in the lease, but no more than 30 days. Tenancy at will: within 21 days after the tenancy ends or the premises are surrendered, whichever is later. Verified Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6033 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Maine deposit return deadline page
- Notice to enter
- Reasonable notice and entry only at reasonable times; 24 hours is presumed reasonable. Verified Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6025 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Maine notice to enter page
- Late fees
- Rent is late only if unpaid 15 days after it is due. The late penalty may not exceed 4% of one month's rent, and the tenant must have been told in writing at signing that it may be charged. Verified Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6028 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Maine late fees page
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