When the Landlord Can Come In
14 M.R.S. § 6025 — reasonable notice, 24 hours presumed, at reasonable times
Except in an emergency or where it is impracticable, the landlord gives reasonable notice before entering and enters only at reasonable times. Twenty-four hours is presumed reasonable notice.
Who handles this in Maine: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Maine directory.
A tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry to inspect, make repairs, supply services, or show the unit to buyers, lenders, tenants or workers. A tenant who changes the lock gives the landlord a duplicate key within 48 hours; a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking may change it and has 72 hours.
For an unlawful entry, an unreasonable one, or repeated demands that harass, the tenant may recover actual damages or $100, whichever is greater, and an order against it happening again, with attorney's fees after a contested hearing. These rights cannot be waived.
Sources for this section (1)
- 14 M.R.S. § 6025 — Access to premises
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maine attorney.