AUGUSTA - A majority of the Legislature's Judiciary Committee voted on Wednesday to move forward LD 701, An Act to Increase the Notice Period for Rent Increases. The vote was 9-3 in favor with two members absent. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland.
As amended, the legislation would require a landlord to provide 75 days' notice when increasing a tenants rent by 10% or more over the previous years rent. Current law only requires 45 days' notice for increases of any amount.
"Rising rents across Maine are significantly contributing to our housing crisis," said Kessler. "The anxiety that comes with a rent increase only enhances the very real concerns that many Mainers will no longer be able to afford to live close to their workplace and family. This legislation will provide extra time for tenants to determine the best next steps in finding a place to rent."
The bill will move to the full Legislature for consideration in the coming weeks.
Kessler, a member of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, is serving his third term in the Maine House and represents part of Cape Elizabeth and part of South Portland.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Kessler], c. 305-965-2744