Maine Tenants Rights
From renting a home in the bustling metropolis of Portland to leasing a space along one f the infamous beach areas of Maine, rental opportunities abound for those that make a home in this northern locale. However, it is important when doing so to be aware of your rights as a tenant. Maine has specific laws regarding both tenants and landlords to ensure that both sets of rights are observed.
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Increases in Rent
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According to the Maine Legislature, a landlord may only increase the rent on a tenant if he has provided notice at least 45 days in advance. It must be a written notice and there is no way to waive this policy. In fact, landlords in violation of this particular law will be required to give the tenant back the difference and any attorney fees and other costs for pursuing the matter.
Lead Warning
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Under Maine landlord-tenant law, renters have the right to know about any lead hazards in older homes and buildings. In fact, the law states that for buildings constructed before 1978, landlords must provide you with written notification of potential lead in the paint and the problems it may cause. He also has to provide you with a pamphlet detailing the ways in which you can protect yourself and your family from potential effects from the lead.
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Bedbugs
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According to Pine Tree Legal Assistance, bedbugs have become a nuisance in some regions of the state. The site states that landlords may not rent a dwelling if there are bedbugs present. In fact, if there was an issue that was addressed and the area was deemed free of the bugs, the landlord is required to disclose this information to you before you sign a lease. This is important because the information may impact your decision to rent.
Illegal Eviction
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In Maine -- and most other states -- landlords must pursue a specific legal process to evict a tenant. The Maine legislature stipulates that landlords are not allowed to try to get tenants out by turning off the electricity, limiting the tenant's access to the home or limiting their access to the items inside of the home. This is so even if the electricity is included in the rent and under the landlord's name; he must still follow due process when it comes to evictions.
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