Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maine

Re: apartment rent

Is there a lease? A landlord cannot raise the rent during the term of a lease. If there is no lease or its term has run, generally, a landlord can increase rent because the alternative is the landlord�s general right to evict.

The increase should not be immediate, meaning you deserve at least a month�s notice, and the increase should not be excessive compared to market rate in your area.

There may be special protections if you are in public housing or a �section 8� program, which your housing authority could discuss with you.

The increase may be invalid if there is proof that it amounts to discrimination � e.g., regarding your race, sex, disability, having kids, or receiving public aid.

If you cannot afford an attorney, you could seek services through Pine Tree Legal Assistance (www.ptla.org/index.html).