SEVEN-DAY NOTICE TO QUIT FOR NONPAYMENT OF RENT
(Maine)
[// GUIDANCE: This notice is governed by Maine Revised Statutes Title 14, §§ 6001 et seq. Maine law requires a minimum of SEVEN (7) days' notice to quit for nonpayment of rent pursuant to 14 M.R.S. § 6002(1)(A). Verify current statutory requirements before use.]
NOTICE INFORMATION
Date of Notice: [DATE]
Tenant Name(s): [TENANT FULL LEGAL NAME(S)]
Rental Property Address:
[STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY], Maine [ZIP CODE]
[UNIT/APT NUMBER, if applicable]
SEVEN-DAY NOTICE TO QUIT
TO THE ABOVE-NAMED TENANT(S) AND ALL OTHERS IN POSSESSION:
You are hereby notified that your tenancy is terminated due to nonpayment of rent.
AMOUNT DUE
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Past Due Rent for [MONTH(S)/YEAR] | $[AMOUNT] |
| Late Fee (if applicable per lease) | $[AMOUNT] |
| Prior Balance (if any) | $[AMOUNT] |
| TOTAL AMOUNT DUE | $[TOTAL] |
NOTICE TO QUIT POSSESSION
Pursuant to 14 Maine Revised Statutes § 6002(1)(A), you are hereby given SEVEN (7) DAYS' NOTICE to quit and vacate the above-described premises.
You must vacate the premises on or before: [DATE - 7 days from service]
CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE
If you fail to vacate the premises by the date specified above, the Landlord will commence a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) action against you in the Maine District Court pursuant to 14 M.R.S. § 6001 et seq.
The Landlord will seek:
- A judgment for possession of the premises (Writ of Possession);
- A money judgment for all unpaid rent and use and occupancy;
- Court costs and reasonable attorney's fees if permitted by lease.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
If you wish to pay the rent owed:
Name: [LANDLORD NAME OR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY]
Address: [ADDRESS]
Phone: [PHONE NUMBER]
Payment Methods: [CHECK / MONEY ORDER / CERTIFIED FUNDS]
[// GUIDANCE: Under Maine law, this is a notice to terminate, not a "pay or quit" notice. However, if the tenant pays before the landlord files an FED action, the landlord may accept payment and allow the tenancy to continue. Landlords are not obligated to accept late payment after this notice.]
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICES
-
Maine Forcible Entry and Detainer Process: If an FED action is filed, you will be served with a summons and complaint. You must file an answer within 7 days of service. A hearing will be scheduled.
-
Right to Cure: Maine law provides limited "cure" rights. Once a valid 7-day notice is served, the tenancy is terminated. However, if this is your first notice in 12 months, you may have defenses. Consult an attorney.
-
Warranty of Habitability: Under 14 M.R.S. § 6021, landlords must maintain rental premises in compliance with health and safety codes. You may have defenses if there are serious violations.
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Retaliation Protection: 14 M.R.S. § 6001(3) prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who exercise their legal rights.
-
Security Deposit: Your security deposit is governed by 14 M.R.S. § 6031 et seq.
-
Rental Assistance: You may be eligible for emergency rental assistance. Contact Maine State Housing Authority at 1-800-452-4668.
-
Military Personnel: If you are a servicemember on active duty, you may have additional rights under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. § 3901 et seq.).
-
Legal Assistance: For legal help, contact:
- Pine Tree Legal Assistance: 1-866-607-4357
- Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project: (207) 622-3477
- Maine State Bar Lawyer Referral: (207) 622-7523
RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
This notice is made without waiving any rights or remedies of the Landlord, all of which are expressly reserved.
CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that a copy of this Seven-Day Notice to Quit was served upon the above-named Tenant(s) on [DATE OF SERVICE] by the following method:
☐ Personal delivery (in hand) to Tenant
☐ Leaving at the tenant's last and usual place of abode
[// GUIDANCE: 14 M.R.S. § 6002 requires service "in hand" or by leaving at "the last and usual place of abode." Mailing alone is generally not sufficient for the 7-day notice.]
LANDLORD/AGENT SIGNATURE
Landlord/Authorized Agent Name: [PRINT NAME]
Signature: ____________________________________
Date: [DATE]
Address:
[LANDLORD ADDRESS]
[CITY], Maine [ZIP CODE]
Telephone: [PHONE NUMBER]
PROOF OF SERVICE
Server Name: [PRINT NAME OF PERSON WHO SERVED NOTICE]
Signature: ____________________________________
Date of Service: [DATE]
Time of Service: [TIME]
Method of Service: [DESCRIBE METHOD USED]
This notice is intended to comply with the requirements of 14 Maine Revised Statutes § 6002(1)(A). It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Maine attorney for guidance specific to your situation.