Maine Notice to enter

Related Maine rules

Lockouts and utility shutoffs

Evictions without court process are illegal. That includes willfully cutting utilities (water, heat, electricity, gas, etc.), locking the tenant out, or seizing the tenant's property. The tenant recovers actual damages or $250, whichever is greater, plus costs and attorney's fees.

Verified Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6014 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Maine lockouts and utility shutoffs page

Retaliation protections

An eviction is presumed retaliatory if, within 6 months before it was filed, the tenant asserted listed statutory rights, made a good-faith code complaint, or engaged in other listed protected acts. The presumption does not apply to evictions for listed § 6002(1) grounds or lease violations, unless the tenant used § 6026. No writ issues unless the landlord rebuts it. Retaliation for joining a tenants' organization also bars eviction.

Verified Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6001(3)–(4) · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Maine retaliation protections page

Repairs and habitability remedies

For a condition that endangers health or safety and costs less than $500 or half a month's rent (whichever is greater) to fix, the tenant may give written notice by certified mail. If the landlord does not act within 14 days, the tenant may have the work done professionally and deduct the cost from rent with an itemized statement. A habitability-warranty rent reduction is also available.

Verified Source: 14 M.R.S. §§ 6026, 6021 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Maine repairs and habitability remedies page

Rental inspections

No state statute creating a rental inspection program was found in 14 M.R.S. chapters 709 and 710.

Verified Source: 14 M.R.S. chapters 709 and 710 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Maine rental inspections page