On Mar. 20, ME LEG passed bill on reducing rental property fees.
ME LEG passed bill LD 1490 which establishes provisions to reduce rental housing costs by limiting additional fees at or prior to the commencement of tenancy.
Upon entering a lease, a landlord, landlord's agent or broker may not require a tenant to pay initial amount of money in excess of the total of the rent for the first full month.
Unenforceable if landlord does not receive a signed copy of the total price disclosure.
A landlord may impose an optional recurring fee only if the landlord provides the tenant with written notice, prior to implementation of fee, that the tenant may opt in.
Landlord may not deny or terminate lease or tenancy at will agreement based on the tenant choosing to opt out of those services or property features or cease paying fee.
Adds mandatory recurring fees to the notice of rent increase requirement for landlords, requiring them to provide notice to tenants 45 days in advance of increase.
Legislative History
On Mar. 19, 2024, bill introduced in House; on Mar. 19, 2024, bill passed in House.
On Mar. 20, 2024, bill introduced in Senate; on Mar. 20, 2024, bill passed in Senate.
Effectiveness
Upon becoming law, the bill comes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
Apr. 2024 ME LEG Bill Approved by Governor
On Apr. 3, 2024, ME LEG bill LD 1490 was approved by Governor, enrolled as Ch. 594.
