Maine 60-Day Notice Overview
Maine does not require a 60-day notice for standard residential tenancy terminations. Under 14 M.R.S. 6002, a tenancy at will (month-to-month) can be terminated by either party with at least 30 days written notice. The notice must expire on a date rent is due. Maine\'s landlord-tenant laws provide moderate tenant protections, more than most New England states but less than Massachusetts.
Maine provides meaningful tenant protections including mandatory habitability standards, retaliatory eviction prohibitions under 14 M.R.S. 6001(3), security deposit limits of two months\' rent under 14 M.R.S. 6032, and a relatively slow eviction process that favors tenants. Portland has enacted additional tenant protections including a rent stabilization program. Despite the 30-day statutory minimum, the tight Southern Maine housing market means landlords often provide 60 days as a courtesy.
30 Days
Statutory default
$70-$150
Court filing fees
Written
Notice required
3-6 wks
Court process
When a 60-Day Notice Applies in Maine
Since Maine's statutory default for month-to-month termination is 30 days, understanding when a 60-day notice is actually required or advisable is essential for landlords.
Lease-Required Extended Notice
Many Maine property management companies, particularly in Portland, South Portland, and the Brunswick-Bath area, include 60-day non-renewal clauses in their leases. When the lease specifies 60 days, the contractual obligation overrides the 30-day statutory minimum.
MaineHousing Programs
Federal Section 8 programs administered through MaineHousing (Maine State Housing Authority) frequently require 60-90 days notice before termination. LIHTC properties throughout Maine also have extended notice requirements.
Portland Rent Stabilization
Portland\'s rent stabilization program, enacted in 2020, requires additional notice for rent increases and may require extended notice for non-renewals in certain circumstances. Landlords in Portland should check local ordinances in addition to state law requirements.
Maine Legal Requirements
Maine's landlord-tenant statutes establish specific requirements for termination notices that must be followed precisely.
Maine Notice Requirements Are Strict
Maine courts strictly enforce the 30-day notice requirement under 14 M.R.S. 6002. The notice must be in writing, must state the date of termination (which must be a date rent is due), and must give at least 30 days from the date of service. A 7-day notice is only permitted for specific lease violations or non-payment under 14 M.R.S. 6002(1)(A). Failure to comply precisely can result in dismissal of the entire eviction action.
Notice Content Requirements
- Written Notice: 14 M.R.S. 6002 requires written notice. Oral notice is not sufficient for terminating residential tenancies in Maine
- Tenant and Property ID: Include all tenant names from the lease and the complete property address including town/city, county, and ZIP code
- Termination Date: State the exact date at least 60 days from service. The termination date must fall on a rent due date
- Landlord Contact: Include the landlord or property manager name, Maine mailing address, and telephone number
- Security Deposit Reference: 14 M.R.S. 6032-6038 requires return of the security deposit within 30 days of termination with an itemized list of deductions. Deposit limited to two months\' rent
How to Serve a 60-Day Eviction Notice in Maine
Proper service is critical in Maine. If the landlord cannot prove the notice was properly delivered, the court will dismiss the eviction action.
Prepare the Notice
Draft using a Maine-specific template referencing 14 M.R.S. 6002. Include all tenant names, property address, and the 60-day termination date
Personal Delivery (Preferred)
Hand-deliver to the tenant at the rental premises. Maine courts prefer personal service. Use a process server or witness for documentation
Certified Mail Alternative
Send via certified mail with return receipt requested. Maine also allows service by regular mail with proof of mailing as backup documentation
Complete Proof of Service
Document date, time, method, and location of service. Keep certified mail receipts and return cards for court proceedings
File Forcible Entry and Detainer Action
After 60 days expire without the tenant vacating, file an eviction action in District Court where the property is located
Maine Eviction Timeline
Maine\'s eviction process uses the Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) action filed in District Court under 14 M.R.S. 6001 et seq. After filing, the court schedules a hearing typically 7-14 days out. Maine\'s eviction process is generally slower than neighboring New Hampshire.
At the hearing, both parties present evidence. Maine District Court allows self-representation. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a judgment for possession. The tenant has 7 days (or longer in winter) to vacate. The court may grant stays of execution in hardship cases.
Total court timeline: 3-6 weeks uncontested, 6-12 weeks contested. Cumberland County (Portland) has the heaviest caseload. Combined with the 60-day notice period, the full process spans 12-20 weeks. Self-help evictions are prohibited under Maine law and can result in significant penalties.
Maine Filing Fees & Costs
Eviction costs in Maine vary by county and court type. Below are typical expenses.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $70 - $150 |
| Service of Process | $30 - $75 |
| Attorney Fees | $500 - $2,000 |
| Writ of Possession | $25 - $50 |
| Sheriff Enforcement | $50 - $200 |
Sample Maine 60-Day Notice
Below is a preview of our Maine-specific 60-day termination notice template.
60-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION
STATE OF MAINE
Pursuant to 14 M.R.S. 6002
LANDLORD / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Maine Mailing Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE OF TERMINATION:
You are hereby notified that your tenancy at the above premises will terminate on[Date — 60 days from service]. You must vacate and surrender possession by that date.
MAINE COMPLIANCE NOTE
Your security deposit will be returned within 30 days of vacating per 14 M.R.S. 6032-6038, with an itemized list of any deductions. Please provide a forwarding address upon vacating.