4 Things You Must Know About Maine Eviction Laws

Eviction is never pleasant, but there are some things that can make it easier for both parties involved. What you need to know about Maine eviction laws can make a big difference in how quickly and easily the process goes. There are many different types of reasons landlords give to evict their tenants, but in Maine, only a few of them are actually legal.

DoNotPay can help with your eviction. We can help you understand your rights under Maine law, and guide you through the eviction process.

Eviction Laws in the State of Maine

The Landlord-Tenant Act is the law that dictates what is and is not legal when it comes to evicting a tenant in the state of Maine. Under this law, there are only a few reasons that a landlord can evict a tenant legally. If any other reason is used, the eviction will not be considered legal under Maine law.

The reasons that are listed in the Landlord-Tenant Act are as follows:

• The tenant has failed to pay rent when it is due.
• The tenant has violated a term or condition of the lease agreement.
• The tenant has caused substantial damage to the property.
• The tenant has created a nuisance on the property.
• The tenant has refused to give possession of the property after having been lawfully evicted.

Does My Landlord Have to Warn Me Before I Can Be Evicted?

Under the Landlord-Tenant Act, a landlord is not required to give a tenant any warning before beginning the eviction process. However, if the landlord decides to give a warning, they must do so in writing. The warning must state the specific reason that the eviction is being sought, and it must be given to the tenant at least seven days before any legal action can take place.

Tenant Eviction Process in Maine

Once a landlord has chosen the proper reason to evict their tenants, they must then follow a very specific process. If this eviction process is not followed correctly, the eviction will not be legal under Maine law.

There are four steps to evicting a tenant in Maine:

1. Give the tenant written notice of the eviction. This notice must include the reason for the eviction, as well as the date by which the tenant must vacate the property. The notice must be given in person, or by certified mail.

2. If the tenant does not vacate the property by the date specified in the notice, the landlord must file a formal complaint with the court.

3. The court will then set a hearing date, at which both the landlord and the tenant will have an opportunity to present their case.

4. If the court finds in favor of the landlord, they will issue a Writ of Possession, which is an order for the tenant to vacate the property. If the tenant does not leave voluntarily, the landlord must hire a sheriff to remove them.

Landlord Responsibilities in Maine

Landlords in the state of Maine are responsible for maintaining their properties according to specific standards. Failure to maintain the property in compliance with these standards provides tenants with the grounds to seek legal action against their landlords.

Landlords must provide their tenants with four specific things.

Tenant Relocation Benefits in Maine

In some cases, a tenant may be entitled to relocation benefits if they are evicted from their property. These benefits are meant to help the tenant find new housing and can be in the form of money or assistance in finding a new place to live.

To be eligible for relocation benefits, the tenant must meet all of the following criteria:

• The eviction was not for failure to pay rent.
• The tenant did not violate a term or condition of their lease agreement.
• The tenant did not cause any damage to the property.
• The eviction was not for creating a nuisance on the property.
• The tenant has lived in the property for at least 90 days before the eviction.
• The tenant has proof that they are unable to find comparable housing at their current rent levels.

If I'm Evicted, Does My Landlord Need to Return My Security Deposit?

In the State of Maine, landlords are not obligated to return a tenant's security deposit. This is true even if you've been evicted for non-payment of rent. You can try to negotiate a partial refund or repayment schedule before vacating, but the landlord doesn't have to agree unless it is written in your lease agreement.

What Can You Do to Fight an Eviction in Maine?

Maine eviction laws are strict, but they also provide tenants with a number of protections. If you believe that you have been wrongfully evicted from your property, there are several things you can do to fight the eviction:

• Talk to an attorney. An experienced attorney will be able to review your case and determine if you have a valid legal claim against your landlord.
• File a complaint with the state. If you believe that your rights as a tenant were violated, you can file a complaint with the state. This will start an investigation into your case.
• Contact HUD. If you feel that your eviction was based on discrimination, you can contact HUD for help.
• Seek shelter. If you have been evicted and do not have a place to stay, you can seek shelter from a local homeless shelter.

How to Fight an Eviction in Maine with The Help of DoNotPay

If you would like to try and fight your eviction without the help of an attorney, DoNotPay can assist you. Our free online chatbot can help you understand your rights as a tenant, and guide you through the process of challenging your eviction.

DoNotPay is here to guide you through it and file your disputes on your behalf. Our Landlord Protection product can help you:

1. Get back your security deposits.
2. Learn about your state's eviction laws and what protections apply in your case.
3. Resolve disputes regarding repairs with your landlord.
4. Resolve disputes with roommates by filing demand letters or going through small claims court.
5. Break your lease early.

How to Challenge an Eviction in Maine Using DoNotPay

If you want to challenge an eviction in Maine but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in four easy steps:

1. Search for and open the Landlord Protection product on DoNotPay.

    

2. Select which issue applies to you.

    

3. Answer a simple set of questions so our chatbot can collect the necessary information to create your demand letter.

    

4. Choose whether you want DoNotPay to send the demand letter to your landlord or roommate on your behalf. If you already tried sending a demand letter and it didn't work, we can help you start the small claims court process.

    

And that's it! You should hear back from your landlord directly once your demands are sent.

What Else Can DoNotPay Do?

Besides helping you fight an eviction, DoNotPay can also help you with non-housing issues and activities such as:

• Chargebacks and Refunds -- If you have a dispute with a business over a purchase, DoNotPay can help you get your money back.
• Divorce Settlement Agreements -- DoNotPay can help you draft a simple divorce settlement agreement based on relevant information you provide.
• Sex Offender Search -- Want to know if someone you know is a registered sex offender? DoNotPay can help.
• Create a Power of Attorney -- If you need to give someone else legal authority to act on your behalf, DoNotPay can help you create a power of attorney.
• HR Complaints -- Has your employer violated your rights in some way? DoNotPay can help you file a complaint with the Department of Labor.

DoNotPay exists to make your life easier, sign up today!