AUGUSTA - Gov. Janet Mills has signed into law a bill sponsored by Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, aimed at protecting Maine renters by limiting the types of fees that are imposed on tenants upon signing a lease and increasing transparency around what many consider "hidden fees" in a lease agreement.
As amended, LD 1490 requires that landlords provide a plain and readily understandable disclosure statement of all types of fees or costs to a prospective tenant. It also requires landlords to provide at least 45 days' written notice to a tenant prior to increasing or adding fees. If the fee increase is more than 10%, the landlord would have to provide at least 75 days notice, which mirrors recent legislative action taken last year. This legislation also extends the ban on application fees and increased notice requirements to mobile home parks.
"The people of Redbank Village and Liberty Commons in South Portland inspired me to introduce this legislation," said Kessler. "I hope this action taken by the Legislature sends a positive signal to Mainers who rent that we will do what we can to increase transparency, reduce unnecessary costs and give people more predictability in their lives when it comes to the cost of housing."
Kessler, a housing advocate and 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