Maine 3-Day Eviction Notice Overview
Maine Does Not Use 3-Day Notices
Maine requires a 7 Days notice under 14 M.R.S. 6002. A 3-day notice is not valid in Maine.
Maine's landlord-tenant law is found in Title 14 (Court Procedure), Chapter 710 of the Maine Revised Statutes. The 7-day notice for non-payment under 14 M.R.S. 6002 is the minimum notice before filing a forcible entry and detainer (FED) action. Maine is one of the more tenant-friendly states, with mandatory mediation in eviction cases, a right to cure provision, and anti-retaliation protections.
7 Days
Notice period
$70-$120
Filing fee
14
Governing law
4-8 Wks
Court process
Maine's Actual Notice Period
Maine requires a 7 days notice under 14 M.R.S. 6002. Using the wrong notice period is one of the most common grounds for dismissal in District Court.
7 Days Notice (14 M.R.S. 6002)
The landlord must deliver a written notice giving the tenant the required time to pay rent or vacate. The notice must state the exact amount of past-due rent. If the tenant pays in full within the notice period, the notice is void and the tenancy continues.
Maine Legal Requirements
- Written Notice: Must be in writing under Maine law
- Rent Amount: State the exact dollar amount of past-due rent owed
- Notice Period: Allow 7 days for the tenant to pay or vacate
- Property Address: Include the complete rental property address
- Tenant Names: Include all tenants named on the lease agreement
- Proper Service: Use an approved service method under Maine law
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Maine
Personal Delivery
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. Use a witness or process server to document delivery
Posting and Mailing
If personal delivery fails, post the notice on the door and mail a copy by certified or first-class mail
Wait the Full Notice Period
Allow the full 7 days to pass. The day of service does not count as day one
File in District Court
After the notice period expires without payment, file the eviction complaint with proof of service
Maine Eviction Timeline
After the notice period expires, the landlord files in District Court. The court issues a summons and schedules a hearing, typically within 7 to 21 days. If the landlord prevails, the court enters a judgment for possession, and the sheriff or constable executes the writ.
Total timeline from initial notice to physical removal is typically 4-8 wks for uncontested cases. Contested cases with defenses, counterclaims, or appeals can add several weeks to the process.
Maine Court Fees & Costs
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $70-$120 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $75 |
| Writ of Possession | $30 - $75 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $500 - $2,500 |
Sample Maine Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Maine-compliant notice under 14 M.R.S. 6002.
7 DAYS NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF MAINE
Pursuant to 14 M.R.S. 6002
TO TENANT(S):
Name: [Tenant Full Name]
PREMISES:
Address: [Address, City, ME ZIP]
RENT DUE:
$[Amount] for [Period]
MAINE COMPLIANCE
This notice complies with 14 M.R.S. 6002 requiring a 7 Days notice period.