Being Evicted
14 M.R.S. § 6002 — 30 days' notice at will, 7 days for rent 7 days behind, and a court case either way
A tenancy at will ends on at least 30 days' written notice from either side. Where the tenant has paid rent past the date a 30 day notice would run, the notice runs at least to the paid date. A notice to end a tenancy tells the tenant of the right to contest it in court.
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- Seven days' written notice is enough when the landlord proves the tenant is 7 days or more behind on rent, caused substantial unrepaired damage, caused or allowed a nuisance, or committed or threatened violence against another tenant or the landlord.
- A notice for rent states the amount 7 days or more behind and tells the tenant that paying it before the notice runs out voids it.
- Even after the notice runs out, paying all arrears, the rent due and the landlord's filing and service fees before the writ issues reinstates the tenancy.
The case is a forcible entry and detainer in court, served like any civil case, with a court form attached explaining the process, rental assistance, legal help and mediation. A default or loss means judgment for possession, and the writ of possession issues seven calendar days after judgment.
Unfit housing as a defense. In a case for unpaid rent, the tenant may raise the landlord's breach of the warranty of habitability, if the landlord knew and unreasonably failed to fix it and the tenant did not cause it. The court then lets the tenant end the agreement or stay at a reduced fair rent.
Sources for this section (3)
- 14 M.R.S. § 6002 — Tenancy at will; buildings on land of another
- 14 M.R.S. § 6004 — Commencement of action
- 14 M.R.S. § 6005 — Writ of possession; service
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maine attorney.