Maine Landlord Selling the House
Maine rules on landlord selling the house for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-23.
Short answer: When a landlord's interest ends by sale (or by assignment, death, receivership or otherwise), whoever holds the security deposits must either return them to the tenants (less lawful deductions) or give the new owner an accounting of each deposit and transfer the money, and mail each… 14 M.R.S. §6035; 14 M.R.S. §6001(2)
The rules in Maine
| If the landlord sells the property | When a landlord's interest ends by sale (or by assignment, death, receivership or otherwise), whoever holds the security deposits must either return them to the tenants (less lawful deductions) or give the new owner an accounting of each deposit and transfer the money, and mail each tenant notice of the transfer, the new owner's name and address, and a copy of the accounting. In a sale, the accounting and transfer must happen no later than the real estate closing, with written proof given to the buyer at closing. After compliance, the seller is released and the buyer holds the deposits with all of a landlord's duties. Separately, a buyer or assignee of the tenant's premises cannot bring an eviction against a tenant at will unless the tenant got a proper termination notice under 14 M.R.S. §6002 (§6001(2)). |
|---|---|
| Tenants in foreclosure | A bona fide tenancy in a building in foreclosure, or with a foreclosure judgment, can be ended only under the federal Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act (Maine incorporates PTFA protections into state law). After an ordinary sale, a new owner cannot evict a tenant at will unless the tenant received a proper § 6002 termination notice from the old or new owner. Sub-§ 1-A was added by PL 2009 c. 566. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6001(1-A), (2) |
Related questions
Maine vs. neighboring states
| State | If the landlord sells the property | Tenants in foreclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | When a landlord's interest ends by sale (or by assignment, death, receivership or otherwise), whoever holds the security deposits must either return them to the tenants (less lawful deductions) or give the new owner an accounting of each deposit and transfer the money, and mail each tenant notice of the transfer, the new owner's name and address, and a copy of the accounting. In a sale, the accounting and transfer must happen no later than the real estate closing, with written proof given to the buyer at closing. After compliance, the seller is released and the buyer holds the deposits with all of a landlord's duties. Separately, a buyer or assignee of the tenant's premises cannot bring an eviction against a tenant at will unless the tenant got a proper termination notice under 14 M.R.S. §6002 (§6001(2)). 14 M.R.S. §6035; 14 M.R.S. §6001(2) | A bona fide tenancy in a building in foreclosure, or with a foreclosure judgment, can be ended only under the federal Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act (Maine incorporates PTFA protections into state law). After an ordinary sale, a new owner cannot evict a tenant at will unless the tenant received a proper § 6002 termination notice from the old or new owner. 14 M.R.S. § 6001(1-A), (2) |
| New Hampshire | When a landlord sells the building, the landlord must turn the security deposit over to the buyer (grantee) at the time the deed is delivered or within 5 days afterward, and must notify the tenant by registered or certified mail, giving the name and address of the new holder of the deposit. A landlord who turns over the deposit with any interest due is relieved of liability for repaying it; the buyer then becomes responsible for returning the deposit to the tenant. RSA 540-A:6, III | A purchaser at a foreclosure sale may recover possession only through the regular possessory (eviction) action after a written notice to quit (RSA 540:12). Good-cause eviction rules continue to protect tenants of restricted property after foreclosure, except single-family houses taken by banks or mortgagees through foreclosure, which are exempt (RSA 540:1-a, I(d)). When property is sold or foreclosed, the landlord must turn the security deposit over to the buyer, receiver, or foreclosure purchaser within 5 days (RSA 540-A:6, III). RSA 540:12; RSA 540:1-a, I(d); RSA 540-A:6, III |
More Maine rental law
- Maine Security Deposit Law
- Maine Eviction Laws
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- Squatters' Rights in Maine
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- Maine Section 8, Records & Right to Counsel
- Maine Mold, Pests, Heat & AC Rules
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- Maine Subletting, Lease Endings & Tenant Death
- All Maine landlord-tenant rules
- Free legal help in Maine
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Maine Landlord Selling the House FAQ
What happens to my lease if my landlord sells the house in Maine?
When a landlord's interest ends by sale (or by assignment, death, receivership or otherwise), whoever holds the security deposits must either return them to the tenants (less lawful deductions) or give the new owner an accounting of each deposit and transfer the money, and mail each tenant notice of the transfer, the new owner's name and address, and a copy of the accounting. In a sale, the accounting and transfer must happen no later than the real estate closing, with written proof given to the buyer at closing. After compliance, the seller is released and the buyer holds the deposits with all of a landlord's duties. Separately, a buyer or assignee of the tenant's premises cannot bring an eviction against a tenant at will unless the tenant got a proper termination notice under 14 M.R.S. §6002 (§6001(2)). (14 M.R.S. §6035; 14 M.R.S. §6001(2))
What are tenants' rights in a foreclosure in Maine?
A bona fide tenancy in a building in foreclosure, or with a foreclosure judgment, can be ended only under the federal Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act (Maine incorporates PTFA protections into state law). After an ordinary sale, a new owner cannot evict a tenant at will unless the tenant received a proper § 6002 termination notice from the old or new owner. (14 M.R.S. § 6001(1-A), (2))
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.