Maine Eviction Notice

Notice to pay rent or quit, cure a violation or vacate — with your state's exact notice period, required wording and service rules.

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Maine rules that this document follows

Nonpayment of rent7 days — 7-Day Notice to Quit (Nonpayment)Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6002(1)
Lease violation30 days — no right to cureSource: 14 M.R.S. § 6002(1) (tenancy at will: 30-day notice without cause); leases governed by lease terms
Unconditional quit7 days — Substantial damage, nuisance, uninhabitable conditions caused by tenant, violence or threats against others, domestic violence against a co-tenant, unauthorized occupantSource: 14 M.R.S. § 6002(1)
Permitted service methodspersonal, substituted, posting and mailingSource: 14 M.R.S. § 6002(1) (mail and leave at residence after 3 good-faith attempts at personal service)
Required wording7-day notice for nonpayment must state: 'If you pay the amount of rent due as of the date of this notice before this notice expires, then this notice as it applies to rent arrearage is void. After this notice expires, if you pay all rental arrears, all rent due as of the date of payment and any filing fees and service of process fees actually paid by the landlord before the writ of possession issues at the completion of the eviction process, then your tenancy will be reinstated.' Notice must also state that the tenant has the right to contest the termination in court.
Statute14 M.R.S. §§ 6001–6017 (Forcible Entry and Detainer)

Rules current as of 2026-09-07. Statutes change; verify before relying on them.

How to use this Eviction Notice in Maine

Serve the notice exactly as Maine law allows and count the days correctly — the deadline is the first thing a judge checks. Do not include late fees in a pay-or-quit amount unless your state permits it. If the tenant pays the full amount in time, the notice is satisfied.

Keep a copy of the notice and the signed proof of service; you will attach both to the court complaint if the tenant does not comply.

Frequently asked questions

How many days' notice for nonpayment of rent in Maine?

7 days (7-Day Notice to Quit (Nonpayment)), 14 M.R.S. § 6002(1). Properties covered by the CARES Act require at least 30 days.

How must the notice be delivered?

personal, substituted, posting and mailing. 14 M.R.S. § 6002(1) (mail and leave at residence after 3 good-faith attempts at personal service) Keep the completed proof of service — the court will ask for it.

Can I change the locks or shut off utilities instead?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and exposes the landlord to damages. After the notice period expires you must file an eviction case in court.

Related documents

Other states

FormsByState provides self-help document templates and general information, not legal advice. We are not a law firm. For advice about your situation consult a licensed attorney in your state.