AUGUSTA - Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, presented LD 701, An Act to Increase the Notice Period for Rent Increases, before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee on Thursday.
The bill would increase the required notice for landlords to increase their tenants rents from 45 days to 90 days.
"So many of our friends, family members and neighbors are facing skyrocketing rent increases which can often be as much as hundreds of dollars per month," said Kessler. "Many Mainers are unable to afford these higher rents, meaning they must find somewhere else to live. However, with very limited housing inventory and rising costs across the state, some people have nowhere to turn. This bill would at least provide renters added time to figure out their next steps."
The bill was supported by advocacy organizations such as the Maine Center for Economic Policy, and Legal Services for the Elderly.
The bill faces further action in the Judiciary Committee 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