In 2024, Maine’s rental laws have undergone important changes that tenants should be aware of, particularly regarding rent increases and transparency in rental costs.
Key Changes in Rent Increase Laws
- Notice Requirements:
- Landlords must provide 45 days’ written notice for any rent increase. This applies to all types of leases, including month-to-month agreements.
- If a landlord intends to increase rent by 10% or more, they are required to give 75 days’ written notice. This applies not only to individual increases but also if cumulative increases within a year reach 10%.
- Frequency of Increases:
- Landlords can only raise rents once every 12 months for existing tenants. This rule is designed to prevent frequent and potentially unaffordable rent hikes.
- Local Rent Control Ordinances:
- While there is no statewide rent control, cities like Portland and South Portland have implemented local ordinances that limit annual rent increases to the rate of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which has averaged about 2-3% annually. New constructions and certain exempted properties may not fall under these regulations.
New Transparency Requirements
Starting January 1, 2024, a new law mandates that landlords disclose the total price of renting a property, including any additional fees. This law aims to enhance transparency for tenants by requiring landlords to outline all recurring fees in clear language before lease signing. It also requires landlords to notify tenants at least 45 days before increasing or adding fees.
Summary of Tenant Protections
- Tenants in Maine benefit from specific protections regarding notice periods for rent increases.
- The requirement for written notices ensures that tenants are informed well in advance of any changes.
- Local ordinances in certain cities provide additional protections against excessive rent increases.
These changes reflect an ongoing effort to balance landlord rights with tenant protections amid rising housing costs in Maine. Tenants are encouraged to stay informed about both state laws and local regulations that may affect their rental agreements.
Sources:
- [1] https://www.hemlane.com/resources/maine-rent-control-laws/
- [2] https://www.mainepublic.org/politics/2024-12-31/new-maine-law-to-require-total-price-disclosure-of-rental-housing
- [3] https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-maine
- [4] https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/14/title14sec6015-1.html
