Maine Eviction Notice

Date of Notice: [[Notice Date]]

TO: [[Tenant Full Name(s)]]
AND ALL OTHER OCCUPANTS of the premises located at:
[[Property Address]]
[[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]]

FROM (LANDLORD / AUTHORIZED AGENT):
[[Landlord Full Name or Management Company]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]] | Email: [[Landlord Email]], -

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE, FORCIBLE ENTRY AND DETAINER PREREQUISITE

This is a formal eviction notice under Maine law (14 M.R.S.A. § 6001 et seq.). Proper service and expiration of the full notice period are required before the landlord may file a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) action in Maine District Court.

Self-help evictions are strictly prohibited in Maine. Landlords may not change locks, shut off utilities, remove doors or belongings, harass, or use any other means to force a tenant out without a court order and writ of possession executed by an authorized officer. Violations expose the landlord to damages, penalties, and possible criminal liability.

After the applicable notice period expires without cure or vacatur, the landlord must commence an FED action in the District Court for the division where the property is located. Only after judgment and issuance of a writ may a sheriff or constable remove the tenant., -

Notice Type Selector

Maine law (primarily 14 M.R.S.A. § 6002) prescribes specific notice periods and grounds before a landlord may terminate a tenancy and pursue eviction. Use the table to select the correct notice.

A single document may combine a 7-day pay-or-quit and a 7-day cure-or-quit when both grounds exist. This notice alone does not terminate possession; court action is required if the tenant remains after the period expires., -

7-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR QUIT *(Nonpayment of Rent, 14 M.R.S.A. § 6002)*

7-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR QUIT

STATE OF MAINE

Date of Notice: [[Notice Date]]

TO: [[Tenant Full Name(s)]]
AND ALL OTHER OCCUPANTS of:
[[Property Address]]
[[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]]

FROM: [[Landlord Full Name or Management Company]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]], -

NOTICE OF NONPAYMENT OF RENT AND INTENT TO TERMINATE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that you are in default under your rental agreement for failure to pay rent when due. You are seven (7) or more days in arrears.

Itemized Rent Due (Rent Only, No Late Fees or Other Charges Included):

Total Rent Owed as of Notice Date: $[[Total Rent Owed]]

Pursuant to 14 M.R.S.A. § 6002, if you pay the full rent due as of the date of this notice before the notice period expires, this notice is void as to the arrearage.

After expiration, if you pay all arrears plus all rent due as of payment date plus any filing and service fees actually paid by the landlord before writ issues, the tenancy may be reinstated.

You have the right to contest this matter in court., -

DEMAND

You are hereby notified and demanded to do one of the following within SEVEN (7) DAYS after service of this notice:

1. Pay the total rent owed of $[[Total Rent Owed]] in full to [[Landlord Full Name or Management Company]] at the address or payment method above.

2. Vacate and surrender possession of the premises at [[Property Address]], [[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]], removing all personal property and returning all keys and access devices.

The seven (7) day period begins on the date of proper service.

Compliance deadline: [[Compliance Deadline Date]]

If you fail to pay in full or vacate by the deadline, the landlord will file a Forcible Entry and Detainer action in Maine District Court seeking possession, unpaid rent, costs, and other relief permitted by law., -

*Signature of Landlord or Authorized Agent*

________________________________________
[[Landlord Full Name or Management Company]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]]

Date: [[Notice Date]], -

7-DAY NOTICE TO CURE OR QUIT *(Lease Violation, 14 M.R.S.A. § 6002)*

7-DAY NOTICE TO CURE OR QUIT

STATE OF MAINE

Date of Notice: [[Notice Date]]

TO: [[Tenant Full Name(s)]]
AND ALL OTHER OCCUPANTS of:
[[Property Address]]
[[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]]

FROM: [[Landlord Full Name or Management Company]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]], -

NOTICE OF LEASE VIOLATION AND INTENT TO TERMINATE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that you are in material violation of your rental agreement or the requirements of law.

Description of Violation:

[[Detailed Description of Violation, e.g., "Unauthorized occupants living in the premises in violation of lease paragraph 4; damage to common areas beyond normal wear"]]

Lease or Legal Provision Violated: [[Lease Paragraph or Statutory Reference]]

Date(s) Violation Occurred or Discovered: [[Date(s)]]

Pursuant to 14 M.R.S.A. § 6002, you are given seven (7) days from service of this notice to cure the violation or quit the premises., -

DEMAND TO CURE OR VACATE

You are hereby notified and demanded to do one of the following within SEVEN (7) DAYS of service of this notice:

1. Fully cure the violation described above by performing the following specific actions: [[Specific Cure Actions Required, e.g., "remove all unauthorized occupants and restore premises to original condition; repair specified damage at tenant expense"]] no later than the compliance deadline.

2. Vacate and surrender possession of the premises located at [[Property Address]], [[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]] in good condition, removing all personal property and returning all keys and access devices.

Compliance deadline: [[Compliance Deadline Date]]

If the violation is cured within the seven-day period to the reasonable satisfaction of the landlord, this notice shall have no further effect regarding that violation. If you fail to cure or vacate by the deadline, the landlord will file a Forcible Entry and Detainer action in Maine District Court.

You have the right to contest this termination in court., -

*Signature of Landlord or Authorized Agent*

________________________________________
[[Landlord Full Name or Management Company]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]]

Date: [[Notice Date]], -

30-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION (NO-CAUSE) *(Month-to-Month Tenancy, 14 M.R.S.A. § 6002)*

30-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF TENANCY

STATE OF MAINE

Date of Notice: [[Notice Date]]

TO: [[Tenant Full Name(s)]]
AND ALL OTHER OCCUPANTS of:
[[Property Address]]
[[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]]

FROM: [[Landlord Full Name or Management Company]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]], -

NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF MONTH-TO-MONTH TENANCY AT WILL

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that your month-to-month tenancy at will for the premises described above is terminated pursuant to 14 M.R.S.A. § 6002.

This is a no-cause termination. No violation of lease or law is alleged.

Tenancy Termination Effective Date: [[Vacate / Termination Date]] (must be at least thirty (30) days after service of this notice and must fall on the last day of a rental period if rent is paid through a later date).

You must vacate and surrender possession of the premises at [[Property Address]], [[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]] on or before the termination date. Remove all personal belongings, leave the premises in broom-clean condition, and return all keys, garage door openers, and access devices.

If rent has been paid through a date after the 30-day minimum, the termination date is adjusted to the last day for which rent is paid.

You have the right to contest the termination in court., -

*Signature of Landlord or Authorized Agent*

________________________________________
[[Landlord Full Name or Management Company]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]]

Date: [[Notice Date]], -

Service of Notice

Maine law requires proper service by sheriff, deputy sheriff, or a disinterested adult (not the landlord or agent in most cases for personal delivery or posting + mailing). Acceptable methods:

1. Personal delivery by sheriff, deputy sheriff, or disinterested adult to the tenant or an adult member of the household at the premises.

2. Posting a copy in a conspicuous place on the premises (typically the main entry door) combined with mailing a copy by first-class mail to the tenant's last known address (or certified/registered mail).

3. Delivery to a person of suitable age and discretion at the premises followed by mailing when personal in-hand service on the tenant is not possible after reasonable efforts.

Self-service or service solely by the landlord/agent may be invalid. Retain detailed proof of service. Service is effective on all occupants when the named tenant(s) and any adult lease signers are properly served.

Proof of Service / Certificate of Service

Complete the applicable certificate at time of service. Keep the original. Attach copy to any court filing.

Certificate of Service, Personal Delivery by Sheriff, Deputy, or Disinterested Adult

I, [[Server Full Name]], a sheriff / deputy sheriff / constable / disinterested adult, certify that on [[Service Date]] at approximately [[Service Time]], I served the foregoing notice upon [[Tenant Full Name(s)]] by personal delivery of a true copy at [[Property Address]], [[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]].

________________________________________
Signature of Server

Title / Status: [[Server Title or "Disinterested Adult"]]

Date: [[Service Date]]

Certificate of Service, Posting + Mailing

I, [[Server Full Name]], certify that on [[Service Date]] I posted a true copy of the foregoing notice in a conspicuous place at [[Property Address]], [[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]] and mailed a copy by first-class mail (or certified mail, receipt no. [[Tracking or Receipt Number]]) to [[Tenant Full Name(s)]] at the same address on [[Mailing Date]].

________________________________________
Signature

Date: [[Service Date]]

Certificate of Service, Other Lawful Method

I, [[Server Full Name]], certify that on [[Service Date]] I served the foregoing notice upon [[Tenant Full Name(s)]] by the following method permitted under 14 M.R.S.A. § 6002: [[Describe Method, e.g., "delivery to adult household member followed by mailing"]].

________________________________________
Signature

Date: [[Service Date]]

Deadline Computation and Reinstatement Notes

The notice period begins the day after actual service (or deemed receipt).

• Personal delivery: full days counted starting the day after service.
• Posted + mailed: period typically starts upon mailing; add time for delivery if disputed.
• For non-payment notices: full payment of rent (and later fees/costs before writ) reinstates as provided by statute.

Adjust termination dates for no-cause notices so they coincide with the end of a rental period when rent is prepaid.

Pre-Filing Checklist

Before filing a Forcible Entry and Detainer complaint in Maine District Court, confirm:

1. The correct notice type was used and the full statutory period has fully expired without cure or vacatur.

2. Service was effected by an authorized person and method; proof of service certificate is signed and dated.

3. All statutory language is included (rent reinstatement for non-pay; right to contest in court).

4. The property address matches the lease exactly.

5. No self-help actions (locks, utilities, property removal, threats) have occurred at any time.

6. Security deposit has been or will be handled per Maine law (separate accounting).

7. SCRA military status of tenant(s) has been verified where applicable.

8. Proper venue: Maine District Court for the division containing the property.

9. Court forms, filing fee, and summons are prepared.

10. Copies of the notice(s) and proof(s) of service will be filed with the complaint.

Statutory Reference Table

Retaliation, Discrimination, and Tenant Protections

Maine prohibits retaliatory termination or eviction for a tenant's exercise of legal rights (e.g., reporting code violations, joining a tenant organization, requesting repairs).

Termination or eviction actions based on protected characteristics (race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, familial status, age, or other classes under Maine and federal law) are unlawful and subject the landlord to damages, attorney fees, and injunctive relief.

Domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking victims may have additional early-termination or defense rights under applicable Maine and federal law.

Disclaimer and Sources

This is a template, not professional legal advice. Notice requirements, service rules, reinstatement rights, and court procedures are governed by Maine statutes and local District Court practice and are subject to change. Verify current law, calculate exact deadlines based on service method, and consult a licensed Maine attorney or the Maine Judicial Branch before serving notice or filing any action. Use of an incorrect notice or improper service may result in dismissal and liability.

Sources (as of June 2026):
- Maine Revised Statutes Title 14, §§ 6001, 6002 (legislature.maine.gov)
- Maine Judicial Branch, landlord/tenant and eviction forms and instructions
- Pine Tree Legal Assistance, tenant and landlord resources
- Related: 14 M.R.S.A. § 6015 (rent increase notices); fair housing provisions

The landlord is solely responsible for selecting the correct notice type for the facts, effecting valid service, and complying with all subsequent legal requirements. This document does not itself remove any tenant from possession.

(End of Maine Eviction Notice)