Renting a home in Maine offers flexibility, but tenants also need to understand their rights—especially when it comes to rent increases. In 2025, Maine has updated several housing rules to protect renters while giving landlords clear guidelines. Whether you’re a long-term tenant or just signed a lease, knowing these rent increase laws can help you avoid surprises and respond appropriately.
Here’s what tenants in Maine need to know about rent increase laws in 2025, including how much notice is required, how often rent can be raised, and what protections exist against unfair increases.
Notice Period for Rent Increases
Under Maine law, landlords must provide tenants with at least 75 days’ written notice before increasing rent on a month-to-month lease. This rule helps renters plan ahead or explore other housing options if the increase is too much.
For tenants with a fixed-term lease, such as a one-year agreement, rent cannot be raised until the lease period ends—unless the lease specifically allows for mid-term increases.
How Often Can Rent Be Increased?
There is no state-wide limit on how often rent can be raised in Maine, but a landlord cannot increase the rent during a lease term unless the lease agreement allows it. For month-to-month tenants, rent can be increased more than once per year, but each increase must be given with proper notice.
Is There a Cap on Rent Increases?
As of 2025, Maine does not have statewide rent control, meaning there’s no legal limit on how much a landlord can raise the rent. However, certain local municipalities like Portland have rent control rules that do limit rent increases annually. In Portland, for example, rent increase percentages are tied to inflation and city-set caps.
Tenants living outside these local areas should expect that there is no maximum percentage by law, but increases must still follow the required notice rules.
Rent Increase During a Lease Term
If you’re in the middle of a lease, your rent cannot be increased until the lease ends—unless your lease includes a specific clause that allows increases during the term. Always check your lease agreement carefully to see what rights your landlord has during the contract period.
Discrimination and Retaliation Protections
Landlords cannot raise rent to punish a tenant for exercising their legal rights—like reporting code violations or requesting repairs. This is considered retaliation and is illegal in Maine. Similarly, landlords cannot increase rent based on a tenant’s race, religion, family status, disability, or other protected characteristics.
If you believe a rent increase is discriminatory or retaliatory, you can file a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission or contact a local housing advocate for help.
Rent Increase Notice Format
The rent increase notice must be in writing and must clearly state the new rent amount and the date the new rate will take effect. Verbal notices are not legally valid. Tenants have the right to request clarification and confirm the change in writing.
What Tenants Can Do If They Can’t Afford the Increase
If the rent increase is too high, tenants can:
Try negotiating with the landlord for a lower rate or a longer lease
Look for housing assistance programs available through local Maine housing offices
Begin searching for alternative rentals before the notice period ends
It’s important to respond to rent increases promptly and in writing, whether you plan to accept, negotiate, or move out.
In 2025, Maine’s rent increase laws aim to balance landlord rights with tenant protections. While there are no statewide limits on how much rent can be raised, there are clear rules about notice and lease terms. Tenants should understand their lease agreements, know their local laws—especially in cities like Portland—and act early if a rent increase puts housing stability at risk. Knowing your rights is the first step toward staying protected in Maine’s rental market.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-maine
[2] https://www.hemlane.com/resources/maine-tenant-landlord-law/
[3] https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/14/title14sec6015-2.html
[4] https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-maine
[5] https://legislature.maine.gov/backend/App/services/getDocument.aspx?documentId=106813
