Landlord Entry Rules in Maine
Maine rules on landlord entry for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-23.
Short answer: Reasonable notice at reasonable times; 24 hours' notice is presumed reasonable. No notice needed in an emergency or where impracticable. Tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry for inspections, repairs, improvements, or showings. 14 M.R.S. § 6025
The rules in Maine
| Landlord entry notice | Reasonable notice at reasonable times; 24 hours' notice is presumed reasonable. No notice needed in an emergency or where impracticable. Tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry for inspections, repairs, improvements, or showings. Remedy for unlawful entry or repeated harassing demands for entry: actual damages or $250, whichever is greater, plus injunction; attorney's fees after a contested hearing. Tenant who changes locks must give landlord a key within 48 hours (72 hours for a victim). Amended PL 2023, c. 336 and PL 2025, c. 767. If a tenant changes the lock and refuses to give the landlord a key, the landlord may end the tenancy on 7 days' notice, and in an emergency may enter by any reasonable means (§ 6025(3)). An emergency involving an animal's welfare (§ 6025-A) permits entry without 24 hours' notice. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6025 |
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Related questions
Maine vs. neighboring states
| State | Landlord entry notice |
|---|---|
| Maine | Reasonable notice at reasonable times; 24 hours' notice is presumed reasonable. No notice needed in an emergency or where impracticable. Tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry for inspections, repairs, improvements, or showings. 14 M.R.S. § 6025 |
| New Hampshire | Landlord may not enter without the tenant's consent except for emergency repairs or under a court order. Tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry at a reasonable time after 'notice which is adequate under the circumstances' (no fixed number of hours). RSA 540-A:3, IV-V |
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Landlord Entry Rules in Maine FAQ
Can a landlord enter without notice in Maine?
Reasonable notice at reasonable times; 24 hours' notice is presumed reasonable. No notice needed in an emergency or where impracticable. Tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry for inspections, repairs, improvements, or showings. (14 M.R.S. § 6025)
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.