Maine Eviction Notice Overview
Maine is a true 7-day notice state. Under 14 M.R.S. Section 6002, landlords must give tenants at least 7 days written notice for non-payment of rent before filing a forcible entry and detainer (FED) action. The notice must clearly state the amount of rent due and the deadline for payment. If the tenant pays in full within 7 days, the landlord cannot proceed with eviction.
Maine's landlord-tenant law is governed by Title 14 (Court Procedure — Civil) for eviction procedures and Title 14, Chapter 710 for the FED process. Maine also has tenant protection provisions in 14 M.R.S. §6001-6014. Eviction cases are filed in District Court for the division where the rental property is located. Cumberland County (Portland) and Penobscot County (Bangor) handle the highest volume of FED filings. Maine has strengthened tenant protections in recent years, including additional notice requirements.
7 Days
Notice period
$80
Filing fee
ME Code
Governing law
District
Court level
14 M.R.S. §6002 Legal Framework
Maine Is a True 7-Day Notice State
14 M.R.S. Section 6002 requires a 7-day notice for non-payment of rent. The notice must be in writing and clearly state the amount owed. Maine is one of the states where the 7-day notice is the actual statutory standard. For lease violations, a 7-day notice is also required. Maine law provides tenants with the right to cure by paying in full within the notice period.
Maine Notice Periods at a Glance
- 7-Day Notice — Non-Payment (14 M.R.S. §6002): Tenant has 7 days to pay all rent owed in full
- 7-Day Notice — Lease Violations (14 M.R.S. §6002): Tenant has 7 days to cure a material lease violation
- 30-Day Notice — No-Cause (14 M.R.S. §6002): Landlord must give 30 days notice for no-cause termination
- 7-Day Notice — Criminal Activity: For certain criminal activity on the premises
Maine Notice Requirements
Maine courts require that eviction notices meet specific content and format standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: 7 days for non-payment as required by Maine law
- Consequence Statement: That eviction proceedings will be filed if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Maine
Maine law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver to the tenant in person. Most reliable method. Starts the 7-day period immediately.
Certified or Registered Mail
Send via certified or registered mail to the tenant's last known address. Maine courts accept this as valid service.
Posting on Premises
Post on the main entry door if the tenant cannot be found. Also mail a copy by first-class mail.
Document Service
Prepare a certificate of service with date, time, and method. Maine District Courts require proof of service when filing the FED complaint.
Maine Eviction Timeline
The Maine eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice through court proceedings to enforcement.
Serve 7-day notice for non-payment per 14 M.R.S. §6002
If tenant has not paid, file FED complaint in District Court
Court serves summons; hearing set within 7-14 days
Hearing held; if landlord prevails, judgment of possession entered
Writ of possession issued; sheriff or constable enforces removal
Uncontested Maine evictions typically take 5-7 weeks. Contested cases take 7-14 weeks. Cumberland County (Portland) may have longer wait times. Maine has been expanding tenant protections and legal aid availability, which can affect case timelines.
Maine Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in Maine District Court. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $80 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $60 |
| Writ of Possession | $30 - $60 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $500 - $2,000 |
| Appeal Filing Fee | $150 - $250 |
Sample Maine Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Maine-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of 14 M.R.S. §6002.
7-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF MAINE
Pursuant to 14 M.R.S. §6002
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Maine Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
You have SEVEN (7) DAYS from service to pay $[Amount] in full or vacate the premises and deliver possession to the landlord.
MAINE COMPLIANCE NOTE
Maine requires a 7-day notice for non-payment of rent (14 M.R.S. §6002). This is the correct statutory notice period for Maine. The tenant has the right to cure by paying the full amount within 7 days.