Maine Statewide Rule
Maine Tenancy-at-Will Termination (Tit. 14 § 6002)
Key Facts
- No-cause termination
- 30 days' written notice
- Nonpayment of rent
- 7 days' notice (void if cured)
- For cause (damage, nuisance, violence)
- 7 days' notice
- Statute
- Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14 § 6002
Summary
Either party may end a Maine tenancy at will (month-to-month) with at least 30 days' written notice given for that purpose, regardless of cause. Shorter 7-day notices apply for nonpayment of rent and for specified cause such as serious damage, nuisance, or violence.
Tenancies at will must be terminated by either party by a minimum of 30 days' notice, except as provided in subsections 2 and 4, in writing for that purpose given to the other party, but if the landlord or the landlord's agent has made at least 3 good faith efforts to serve the tenant, that service may be accomplished by both mailing the notice by first class mail to the tenant's last known address and by leaving the notice at the tenant's last and usual place of abode. In cases when the tenant has paid rent through the date when a 30-day notice would expire, the notice must expire on or after the date through which the rent has been paid. Either party may waive in writing the 30 days' notice at the time the notice is given, and at no other time prior to the giving of the notice. A termination based on a 30-day notice is not affected by the receipt of money, whether previously owed or for current use and occupation, until the date a writ of possession is issued against the tenant during the period of actual occupancy after receipt of the notice.
Full Breakdown
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14 § 6002 provides that "tenancies at will must be terminated by either party by a minimum of 30 days' notice... in writing for that purpose given to the other party," except in the cases covered by the 7-day provisions. A tenant or landlord may end a month-to-month tenancy without cause on 30 days' written notice. The statute permits a 7-day written notice when the tenant is "7 days or more in arrears in the payment of rent," and a separate 7-day notice for cause such as substantial unrepaired damage, nuisance, threats or violence, or unauthorized occupancy. A nonpayment notice is void if the tenant pays all overdue rent before it expires. The 30-day and 7-day notices may be combined in one document.
Violations & Penalties
No specific monetary penalty; a termination without proper written notice is ineffective and cannot support a forcible entry and detainer action (tit. 14 § 6002).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in Maine?
Can I stop a 7-day nonpayment termination in Maine?
Sources
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