Maine Eviction Notice Templates

A Maine eviction notice informs a tenant that they have failed to follow the lease terms. The notice explains the violation and provides the required time to correct it. If the tenant does not comply, the landlord may file for eviction.

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Last updated January 26th, 2026

A Maine eviction notice informs a tenant that they have failed to follow the lease terms. The notice explains the violation and provides the required time to correct it. If the tenant does not comply, the landlord may file for eviction.

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By Type

Pay or Quit – Sent when rent is unpaid, this notice warns the tenant that payment is required to stay. It explains what is owed and what happens if the issue isn’t resolved.

Cure or Quit – Used for lease violations unrelated to rent. The tenant is informed of the problem and given time to bring things back into compliance.

Termination of Month-to-Month Tenancy (30-Day Notice) – Ends a month-to-month rental agreement with proper notice. No lease violation is required to use this notice.

Notice to Quit for Illegal Activity – Delivered when unlawful behavior occurs on the premises. It formally begins the eviction process.

Eviction Laws

  • Rent Grace Period: 15 days.[1]
  • Non-Payment of Rent: 7 days.[2]
  • Non-Compliance: 7 days.[3]
  • Illegal Activity: 7 days.[4]
  • Substantial Damage to Property: 7 days.[5]
  • Termination (Month-to-Month Lease): 30 days.[6]
  • Eviction Lawsuit Type: Entry and Detainer.[7]

 

Prohibited Landlord Actions in Maine

  • Utility Shutoff – A landlord may not intentionally cause utilities to be shut off as a method of removing a tenant. Doing so is illegal and can expose the landlord to liability.[8]
  • Changing Locks – A landlord may not deny a tenant access to the rental unit except through the court eviction process. Lockouts or other exclusion methods are unlawful.[9]

 

How to Evict a Tenant in Maine (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Deliver Written Notice

Before filing in court, the landlord must give written notice to the tenant explaining the lease violation or lease termination. Maine law requires the landlord to attempt personal delivery at least three times before mailing the notice. Proof of delivery should always be retained. Common notices include:

  • 7-Day Notice to Quit (Non-Payment of Rent)
  • 7-Day Notice to Quit (Non-Compliance or Damage)
  • 30-Day Notice to Quit (Month-to-Month Tenancy)

Step 2: File the Complaint and Summons

If the tenant does not comply, the landlord may file a Complaint for Forcible Entry and Detainer and obtain a Summons (CV-034) from the Clerk’s Office (document fee: $5).[10]

  • Court filing fee: $75.[11]

Step 3: Serve the Tenant

The landlord must provide copies of the Summons and Complaint to the sheriff for service. If the sheriff cannot complete service, the landlord may mail the documents and file an Affidavit of Service, Forcible Entry & Detainer (CV-204). The tenant must receive notice at least seven days before the hearing.

Step 4: Attend Hearing and Enforce Judgment

If the tenant does not appear, the court may issue a default judgment, requiring immediate vacancy. If the tenant still refuses to leave, the landlord may request a Request for Issuance of Writ of Possession (CV-195), allowing the sheriff to remove the tenant and restore possession to the landlord.

 

Court Forms & Resources

Sources

  1. § 6028(1)
  2. § 6002(1)(C)
  3. § 6002(1)(B)
  4. § 6002(1)(B, D, E)
  5. § 6002(1)(A)
  6. § 6002
  7. Title 14, Chapter 709: Entry and Detainer
  8. § 6014(1)(A)
  9. § 6014(1)(B)
  10. Forcible Entry and Summons Fee
  11. Maine Court Fees Schedule – (I)(A)(3)(m)