Statutory cap, exemptions, and notice rules under Portland City Code Ch. 6 (Rental Housing Stability Ordinance, 2020)
Portland enacted rent control via ballot measure in 2020. The cap is tied to CPI and generally limits increases to 10% over any 12-month period. No other Maine municipality has an active ordinance.
| Rule | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide cap | None | Portland City Code Ch. 6 (Rental Housing Stability Ordinance, 2020) |
| 2025 maximum increase | No limit | — |
| Notice required | Typically 30–60 days written notice | State landlord-tenant law |
| Retaliation prohibited | Yes — increases cannot be retaliatory or discriminatory | Federal Fair Housing Act + state law |
Even where a cap applies, the following unit types are typically not covered:
If your unit is exempt, the landlord may raise rent to any market-rate amount with proper notice.
These Maine cities currently have or are actively developing rent stabilization ordinances. Caps and covered-unit definitions vary — check your city's municipal code or housing authority for the current allowable increase.
Maine has no statewide rent increase cap. Some cities and counties have local ordinances — check your specific municipality.
Yes — while Maine has no statewide cap, local governments are permitted to enact rent control ordinances, and some have.
In Maine, landlords must generally provide at least 30 days' written notice before increasing rent for month-to-month tenants. For covered units under Portland City Code Ch. 6 (Rental Housing Stability Ordinance, 2020), any increase above the allowable cap requires proper written notice and may require additional disclosures.
In Maine, there is no statewide cap. The increase can be any amount as long as proper notice is given and the increase is not retaliatory or discriminatory.
Statutory data sourced from published Maine law (Portland City Code Ch. 6 (Rental Housing Stability Ordinance, 2020)), BLS Consumer Price Index (2024–2025), and state agency publications. Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates for median rent. Last updated April 29, 2026. This page is informational only and does not constitute legal advice.
