Maine
Maine Squatters Rights and Adverse Possession Laws (2026)
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 18, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 18, 2026. How we verify our legal content
Maine imposes one of the longest adverse possession periods in the country: a squatter must occupy land openly and continuously for 20 years before any claim can ripen under Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 801. Property owners who discover an unlawful occupant can remove that person through a forcible entry and detainer (FED) action filed in Maine District Court under tit. 14, ch. 709, § 6001 et seq.
Information last verified on May 27, 2026. This article provides general legal information, not legal advice.
Jurisdiction scope: This article covers squatters rights and adverse possession law in Maine. For a comparison across all 50 states, see the national squatters rights guide.
Adverse Possession in Maine: Period and Elements
The 20-Year Statutory Period
Maine Revised Statutes Title 14, Section 801 bars any action to recover land unless it is brought within 20 years after the right to do so first accrued, except as otherwise provided in that subchapter. The same 20-year clock governs a squatter's affirmative adverse possession claim, and there is no general shorter period available with color of title. The default Section 801 route carries no tax-payment condition, but two other provisions in the same subchapter set out separate paths with their own requirements. Section 816 bars a recovery action for uncultivated lands located in an incorporated place only where the possessor claimed the land under recorded deeds, held exclusive, peaceable, continuous and adverse possession, and paid all taxes assessed on the land throughout the 20 years. Section 815 supplies an independent bar where the possessor, or those under whom the possessor claims, have been in actual possession for more than 40 years under a claim of adverse, open, peaceable, notorious and exclusive right.
Section 805 clarifies that the right of entry accrues when the claimant, or the person under whom the claimant traces title, first became entitled to possession under the title on which the action is founded. Tacking, which combines the possession periods of successive occupants who share privity, is permitted under Maine common law, so long as the chain of possession is unbroken.
Maine also maintains a separate disseisin framework within Title 14 that uses the same 20-year period. A "disseisor" is someone who wrongfully dispossesses the true owner. The disseisin provisions reinforce rather than replace the § 801 limitations period; both point to the same 20-year threshold.
Elements Maine Courts Require
Maine courts apply the standard five-element test. A claimant must demonstrate all of the following for the entire 20-year period:
Actual possession. The squatter must physically occupy and use the land in a way consistent with its character. Clearing brush, farming, fencing, or building a structure can satisfy this element depending on the nature of the parcel.
Open and notorious. The occupation must be visible and obvious: a reasonable owner who inspected the property would notice it. Concealed or hidden use does not qualify.
Exclusive. The squatter cannot share possession with the true owner or the general public. Shared use that resembles the owner's own use of the land defeats this element.
Hostile and adverse. The possession must be without the owner's permission. Any license or consent granted by the owner restarts the clock. Hostility under Maine law does not require malicious intent; it simply means the claimant holds the property as if it were their own, without the owner's authorization.
Continuous. Possession cannot be interrupted. Seasonal use may qualify if it mirrors how the land would normally be used, but abandonment for any significant period breaks continuity and restarts the 20-year clock.
Boundary Mistakes
Section 810-A of Title 14 addresses a specific scenario: a possessor who occupies a strip of land under a mistaken belief about the true boundary line. Under that provision, the mistaken belief does not defeat an otherwise valid adverse possession claim. In other words, a neighbor who inadvertently fences in a portion of adjacent land for 20 years can still prevail even if the encroachment was unintentional.
No Recent Legislative Shortcut
Research of the Maine Legislature's published statutes and session records through May 2026 found no 2024 or 2025 statute creating an expedited or administrative squatter-removal process. Several other states enacted such laws during 2024 and 2025, but Maine did not follow. The forcible entry and detainer procedure under Chapter 709 remains the standard civil remedy available to Maine property owners.
How to Remove a Squatter in Maine
Step 1: Do Not Use Self-Help
Maine law prohibits a property owner from personally removing an occupant by force, changing locks, removing personal property, or cutting off utilities. Section 6014 of Title 14 states that evictions effected without resort to Chapter 709 are illegal and against public policy. The rest of that section sits in the residential landlord-tenant subchapter: its specific prohibitions are written as limits on landlords, and its damages and attorney-fee remedies run to a tenant, so those damages provisions do not clearly reach an occupant who never had a tenancy. An owner who forces a squatter out anyway still risks civil and criminal exposure, and the court process remains the route Maine law provides.
Step 2: Serve a Notice to Quit
Before filing an FED action, the owner should serve written notice demanding that the occupant vacate. Maine does not specify a universal statutory notice period for squatters (as opposed to tenants), but serving a written demand is a prudent first step and creates a documented record that the occupant was aware of the owner's claim.
Step 3: File a Forcible Entry and Detainer Action
Under tit. 14, § 6001, property owners may bring an FED action against disseisors and unlawful occupants in Maine District Court. The owner files a complaint identifying the property, the occupant's name (or "all other occupants" if names are unknown), and the basis for the claim of superior title or right to possession.
Under § 6003, the District Court has jurisdiction of forcible entry and detainer cases, and that is where these actions are brought. Service may be made by standard civil process. If at least three good-faith attempts at personal service on different days fail, service by first-class mail combined with posting at the property is permitted under § 6004.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Section 6003 requires the court to schedule the hearing as soon as practicable, and no later than 10 days after the return day unless the court grants a continuance for good cause. The owner must appear and present proof of ownership (deed, title records) and evidence of the unlawful occupation.
The occupant may raise defenses at the hearing, including any claim of adverse possession if the 20-year period has allegedly run. Because adverse possession requires two decades of qualifying possession, this defense is rarely viable unless the squatter has a long history on the property.
Step 5: Obtain and Execute the Writ of Possession
If the court rules for the owner, it issues a writ of possession under § 6005. A law enforcement officer, typically a sheriff or constable, serves the writ and oversees the physical removal of the occupant. The owner should not attempt to enforce the writ independently.
Step 6: Handle Abandoned Personal Property
After the squatter is removed, Maine law addresses unclaimed tenant property under § 6013. Although the statute is written primarily for landlord-tenant contexts, owners should document and store any personal property left behind and provide reasonable notice before disposing of it, to minimize exposure to conversion claims.
Parallel Criminal Options
An unlawful occupant may also be subject to criminal trespass charges under Maine's criminal code if the person remains on property after being told to leave by the owner or a law enforcement officer. Criminal trespass does not replace the civil FED process but can accelerate an occupant's departure through police involvement.
This article provides general legal information about Maine squatters rights and adverse possession laws. It is not legal advice. Laws change, and individual circumstances vary. Consult a licensed Maine attorney for advice about your specific situation.
National squatters rights guide
RecordingLaw.com provides legal information, not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this page. Consult a qualified Maine attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
More Maine Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a squatter have to stay in Maine to claim ownership?
A squatter must occupy the property for 20 continuous years while meeting all five elements (actual, open, notorious, exclusive, and hostile possession) before filing an adverse possession claim under Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 801.
Does Maine have a shorter adverse possession period with color of title?
No. Maine does not provide a general shorter limitations period for claimants who hold color of title. The 20-year period under § 801 applies regardless of whether the claimant has a defective deed or other written instrument.
Does a squatter need to pay property taxes in Maine?
Not under Maine's general route. The 20-year limitations period in § 801 does not require the claimant to have paid property taxes. One separate path does: § 816 bars a recovery action for uncultivated lands in an incorporated place only if the possessor claimed under recorded deeds and paid all taxes assessed on the land for the full 20 years.
Which court handles squatter removal in Maine?
Forcible entry and detainer actions are brought in Maine District Court, which has jurisdiction of FED cases under tit. 14, § 6003.
How quickly can a Maine property owner get a hearing after filing an FED action?
The District Court must schedule the hearing no later than 10 days after the return day, unless the court grants a continuance for good cause under § 6003.
Can a property owner in Maine change the locks to remove a squatter?
No. Section 6014 of Title 14 states that evictions carried out without resort to Chapter 709 are illegal and against public policy, and its specific prohibitions and damages remedies are written for landlords and tenants. Whether or not the occupant was ever a tenant, the owner must go through the court process and obtain a court-issued writ of possession rather than changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities.
Did Maine pass any new anti-squatter law in 2024 or 2025?
No. Research through May 2026 found no Maine statute enacted in 2024 or 2025 that creates an expedited or administrative squatter-removal process. The forcible entry and detainer procedure under Chapter 709 remains the standard civil remedy.
Updates
Corrected the property-tax discussion to note the separate 20-year path for uncultivated lands under 14 M.R.S. § 816 that does require paying all assessed taxes, added the § 815 40-year bar, removed the incorrect claim that District Court jurisdiction over forcible entry and detainer actions is exclusive, and clarified that § 6014's illegal-eviction damages run to tenants rather than to squatters who never had a tenancy.
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Reviewed and approved by an editor
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL, Part 2: PROCEEDINGS BEFORE TRIAL, Chapter 205: LIMITATION OF ACTIONS
§ 801Rights of entry and action barred in 20 yearsIn force
No person shall commence any real or mixed action for the recovery of lands, or make an entry thereon, unless within 20 years after the right to do so first accrued, or unless within 20 years after he or those under whom he claims were seized or possessed of the premises, except as provided in this subchapter.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-08 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 26 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2018
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- McMullen v. Dowley (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1984, 483 A.2d 698)“…sors had established title through adverse possession under 14 M.R.S.A. §§ 801, 815 or 816 (1980). The case was tried…”
- State v. Kelly (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1992, 606 A.2d 786)“…ing a twenty year period for adverse possession pursuant to 14 M.R.S.A. § 801 (1980) should result in a new trial. 5…”
- Striefel v. Charles-Keyt-Leaman Partnership (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1999, 733 A.2d 984)“…oun v. Webber, 684 A.2d 405, 410 (Me.1996); see also 14 M.R.S.A. §§ 801-816 (1980 & Supp.1998). The MacLeods di…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 810-AMistake of boundary lineIn force
If a person takes possession of land by mistake as to the location of the true boundary line, the possessor's mistaken belief does not defeat a claim of adverse possession. [PL 2009, c. 255, §1 (AMD).]
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 11 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2020
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Striefel v. Charles-Keyt-Leaman Partnership (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1999, 733 A.2d 984)“…islative abolition of adverse possession doctrine). . 14 M.R.S.A. § 810-A (Supp.1998). . Under certain circ…”
- Dombkowski v. Ferland (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2006, 893 A.2d 599)“…ends that: (1) the court erred in applying and interpreting 14 M.R.S. § 810-A (2005); (2) the court abused its discre…”
- Baptist Youth Camp v. Robinson (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1998, 714 A.2d 809)“…ownership of the disputed area based on adverse possession, 14 M.R.S.A. § 810-A (Supp.1997), 7 as well as…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 805Accrual of right of entryIn force
In all cases not otherwise provided for, the right of entry accrues when the claimant, or the person under whom he claims, first became entitled to the possession of the premises under the title on which the entry or action is founded.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
§ 810Type of possession; need for enclosureIn force
To constitute a disseizin, or such exclusive and adverse possession of lands as to bar or limit the right of the true owner thereof to recover them, such lands need not be surrounded with fences or rendered inaccessible by water; but it is sufficient, if the possession, occupation and improvement are open, notorious and comporting with the ordinary management of a farm; although that part of the same, which composes the woodland belonging to such farm and used therewith as a woodlot, is not so enclosed.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 1997
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Doucette v. City of Lewiston (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1997, 697 A.2d 1292)“…een expressly waived by 14 M.R.S.A. § 8104-A, as limited by 14 M.R.S.A. § 810<h-B, and 14 M.R.S.A. § 8111_ 1…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 816Limitations of actions for uncultivated lands in incorporated placesIn force
No real or mixed action for the recovery of uncultivated lands or of any undivided fractional part thereof, situated in any place incorporated for any purpose, shall be commenced or maintained against any person, or entry made thereon, when such person or those under whom he claims have, continuously for the 20 years next prior to the commencement of such action or the making of such entry, claimed said lands or said undivided fractional part thereof under recorded deeds; and have, during said 20 years, paid all taxes assessed on said lands or on such undivided fractional part thereof, however said tax may have been assessed whether on an undivided fractional part of said lands or on a certain number of acres thereof equal approximately to the acreage of said lands or of said fractional part thereof; and have, during said 20 years, held such exclusive, peaceable, continuous and adverse possession thereof as comports with the ordinary management of such lands or of undivided fractional parts of such lands in this State.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 13 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2013
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Solomon's Rock Trust v. Davis (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1996, 675 A.2d 506)“…p through adverse possession pursuant to the common law and 14 M.R.S.A § 816 (1980). The Trust also contends that th…”
- Estate of Stone v. Hanson (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1993, 621 A.2d 852)“…See M.R.Civ.P. 72(b). We are asked to construe 14 M.R.S.A. § 816 (1980), 1 govern *…”
- John Wallingford Fruit House Inc. v. MacPherson (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1978, 386 A.2d 332)“…ion that she had established adverse possession pursuant to 14 M.R.S.A. § 816. The Plaintiff corporation timel…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 815Forty years' possession bars action for recovery of landIn force
No real or mixed action for the recovery of lands shall be commenced or maintained against any person in possession thereof, when such person or those under whom he claims have been in actual possession for more than 40 years, claiming to hold them by adverse, open, peaceable, notorious and exclusive possession, in their own right.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 5 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2012
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Kelly (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1992, 606 A.2d 786)“…nse: a claim of ownership by adverse possession pursuant to 14 M.R.S.A. § 815 (1980). 3 At the trial’s conclusion, t…”
- Richards Realty Co. v. Inhabitants of Town of Castle Hill (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1979, 406 A.2d 412)“…ght into play the “forty years’ possession bar” provided by 14 M.R.S.A. § 815 1 on which the presiding J…”
- Gay v. Dube (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2012, 39 A.3d 52)“…e.1979) (addressing an adverse possession claim pursuant to 14 M.R.S. § 815 (2011)). If it were otherwise, and the…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL, Part 7: PARTICULAR PROCEEDINGS, Chapter 709: ENTRY AND DETAINER
§ 6001Availability of remedyIn force
1. Persons against whom process may be maintained. Process of forcible entry and detainer may be maintained against a disseisor who has not acquired any claim by possession and improvement; against a tenant holding under a written lease or contract or person holding under such a tenant; against a tenant where the occupancy of the premises is incidental to the employment of a tenant; at the expiration or forfeiture of the term, without notice, if commenced within 7 days from the expiration or forfeiture of the term; against a tenant at will, whose tenancy has been terminated as provided in section 6002; and against manufactured housing owners and tenants pursuant to Title 10, chapter 951, subchapter 6. When there are multiple occupants of an apartment or residence, the process of forcible entry and detainer is effective against all occupants if the plaintiff names as parties "all other occupants" together with all adult individuals whose names appear on the lease or rental agreement for the premises or whose tenancy the plaintiff has acknowledged by acceptance of rent or otherwise. 1-A. Foreclosure.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 42 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Rubin v. Josephson (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1984, 478 A.2d 665)“…the plaintiffs’ complaint for forcible entry and detainer, 14 M.R.S.A. § 6001 (Supp.1983-1984). The defendant raises…”
- Frost Vacationland Properties, Inc. v. Palmer (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1999, 723 A.2d 418)“…in its forcible entry and detainer (FED) action pursuant to 14 M.R.S.A. § 6001 (Supp.1998). 1 The Palmers…”
- Perreault v. Parker (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1985, 490 A.2d 203)“…the issuance of a writ of possession by the District Court. 14 M.R.S.A. §§ 6001(1), 6005 (Supp.1984). A presumption of…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 6003JurisdictionIn force
The District Court shall have jurisdiction of cases of forcible entry and detainer. The court shall schedule and hold the hearing as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 days after the return day except that the court may grant a continuance for good cause shown. Any defendant requesting a recorded hearing shall file a written answer enumerating all known defenses on or before the return day. [PL 1997, c. 151, §1 (AMD).]
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 3 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 1986
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Tozier v. Tozier (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1981, 437 A.2d 645)“…rd G. and Rita D. Tozier commenced this action, pursuant to 14 M.R.S.A. § 6003, in District Court, Biddeford. 1…”
- King v. King (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1986, 507 A.2d 1057)“…and detainer actions is granted to the District Court under 14 M.R.S.A. § 6003 (Supp. 1985-1986), that provision does…”
- Bicknell Manufacturing Co. v. Bennett (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1980, 417 A.2d 414)“…ry and detainer to recover the possession of real property. 14 M.R.S.A. § 6003. 1 See Abbott v. Norton…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 6004Commencement of actionIn force
1. Summons and complaint; service. The process of forcible entry and detainer must be commenced and service made in the same manner as other civil actions, except that if at least 3 good faith efforts on 3 different days have been made to serve the defendant, service may be accomplished by both mailing the summons and complaint by first-class mail to the defendant's last known address and leaving the summons and complaint at the defendant's last and usual place of abode. If service has been made by mailing and posting the summons and complaint, the plaintiff shall file with the court an affidavit demonstrating that compliance with the requirement of service has occurred. When the plaintiff lives out of the State and a recognizance is required of the plaintiff, any person may recognize in the plaintiff's behalf and is personally liable. 2. Form notice.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2020
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Behavioral Health Resources, Inc. v. Walls (Superior Court of Maine 2020)“…hall be made in the same manner as other civil actions[.]" 14 M.R.S. § 6004. However, if after three good faith at…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 6005Writ of possession; serviceIn force
When the defendant is defaulted or fails to show sufficient cause, judgment must be rendered against the defendant by the District Court for possession of the premises. Seven calendar days after the judgment is entered, the court shall issue the writ of possession to remove the defendant. The writ may be served by a sheriff or a constable. If at least 3 good faith efforts on 3 different days have been made to serve the defendant, service may be accomplished by both mailing the notice by first-class mail to the defendant's last known address and leaving the writ of possession at the defendant's last and usual place of abode. A writ of possession may not issue in any case in which the ground for termination of the tenancy at will was rent arrearage and the defendant paid the amount necessary to reinstate the tenancy as provided by section 6002. [PL 1999, c. 248, §3 (AMD).] An additional writ of possession may be issued by the clerk at the request of the plaintiff after issuance of the first writ. [PL 1989, c.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 6 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2022
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Hailu v. Simonds (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2001, 784 A.2d 1)“…sion utilizing the forcible entry and detainer procedure in 14 M.R.S.A. § 6005 (Supp.2000). Before Simonds executed th…”
- 55 Oak Street LLC v. RDR Enterprises, Inc. (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2022, 275 A.3d 316)“…t of possession, and we therefore vacate the judgment. See 14 M.R.S. §§ 6005, 6017(2), (3) (2022).…”
- Bramson v. Richardson (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1980, 412 A.2d 381)“…against defendant after judgment for plaintiff is rendered. 14 M.R.S.A. § 6005 (1980). The action lies only for posses…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 6013Property unclaimed by tenantIn force
Any personal property that remains in a rental unit after entry of judgment in favor of the landlord or that is abandoned or unclaimed by a tenant following the tenant's vacating the rental unit must be disposed of as follows. [PL 2011, c. 405, §4 (AMD).] 1. Place in storage. The landlord shall place in storage in a safe, dry, secured location any personal property that is abandoned or unclaimed by a tenant following the tenant's vacating the rental unit. 2. Notice to tenant. Notice to the tenant by the landlord is governed by this subsection. Notice may be sent at any time after entry of judgment in favor of the landlord or after the tenant has vacated the rental unit. A. If the tenant is still in possession of the rental unit, the landlord shall send written notice by first-class mail with proof of mailing to the tenant at the address of the rental unit of the landlord's intent to dispose of, in accordance with subsection 5, any property remaining in the rental unit following the tenant's vacating the rental unit.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 7 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Priest v. Keene (Superior Court of Maine 2023)“…was from improper disposal of the property in violation of 14 MRS § 6013, 6014(c).…”
- Androscoggin Savings Bank v. Barton Mortgage Corp. (Superior Court of Maine 2019)“…Bank owed Barton a duty of care, under both common law and 14 M.R.S. § 6013, with regard to Barton’s personal prope…”
- Citimortgage Inc. v. Tapley (Superior Court of Maine 2014)“…10. The Court fmds that the procedure set forth in 14 M.R.S. § 6013 for the removal and disposal of any per…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 6014Remedies for illegal evictionsIn force
1. Illegal evictions. Except as permitted by Title 15, chapter 517 or Title 17, chapter 91, evictions that are effected without resort to the provisions of this chapter are illegal and against public policy. Illegal evictions include, but are not limited to, the following. A. No landlord may willfully cause, directly or indirectly, the interruption or termination of any utility service being supplied to the tenant including, but not limited to, water, heat, light, electricity, gas, telephone, sewerage, elevator or refrigeration, whether or not the utility service is under the control of the landlord, except for such temporary interruption as may be necessary while actual repairs are in process or during temporary emergencies. [PL 1981, c. 428, §8 (NEW).] B. No landlord may willfully seize, hold or otherwise directly or indirectly deny a tenant access to and possession of the tenant's rented or leased premises, other than through proper judicial process. [PL 1981, c. 428, §8 (NEW).] C. No landlord may willfully seize, hold or otherwise directly or indirectly deny a tenant access to and possession of the tenant's property, other than by proper judicial process. [PL 1981, c.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 29 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2023
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Reardon v. Lovely Development, Inc. (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2004, 852 A.2d 66)“…on is the greater of actual damages or $250. 1 14 M.R.S.A. § 6014(2)(A) (2003). The parties concede that…”
- Degenhardt v. Ewe Ltd. Partnership (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2011, 13 A.3d 790)“…ted Douglas J. Degenhardt from the property in violation of 14 M.R.S. § 6014, causing him $590 in actual damages. Al…”
- Clark v. Goodridge (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1993, 632 A.2d 125)“…ts illegally evicted her from her apartment in violation of 14 M.R.S.A. § 6014 (Supp.1992), and unlawfully entered her…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
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Sources and References
- Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 801 - Limitations period for real actions(legislature.maine.gov)
- Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 805 - Accrual of right of entry(legislature.maine.gov)
- Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 810-A - Boundary mistake and adverse possession(legislature.maine.gov)
- Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 6001 - Availability of FED remedy(legislature.maine.gov)
- Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 6003 - District Court jurisdiction; hearing timing(legislature.maine.gov)
- Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 6004 - Commencement of FED action(legislature.maine.gov)
- Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 6005 - Writ of possession(legislature.maine.gov)
- Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 6013 - Unclaimed tenant personal property(legislature.maine.gov)
- Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 6014 - Remedies for illegal evictions(legislature.maine.gov)
- Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 815 - Bar after 40 years of actual adverse possession(legislature.maine.gov)
- Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 816 - Uncultivated lands in incorporated places; recorded deeds and payment of all assessed taxes for 20 years(legislature.maine.gov)