Portland, Maine rent increase calculator
Portland, Maine’s voter-approved rent control allows a base increase of 70% of the Boston-area CPI change each year, announced for 1 September. The allowable increase was 2.2% for September 2025 to August 2026 and 2.6% for the year from September 2026. Landlords may bank unused increases and add approved adjustments for taxes and improvements, with a 10% total ceiling in any year, and may raise rent 5% on turnover.
Published figures
| Period | Allowable increase |
|---|---|
| Sep 2025 – Aug 2026 | 2.2% |
| Sep 2026 – Aug 2027 | 2.6% |
Source: Portland Housing Safety Office / Rent Board. Announced for 1 September each year.
Maximum new rent at common rents
Using the current 2.6% figure.
| Current rent | Maximum increase | Maximum new rent |
|---|---|---|
| $1,200.00 | $31.20 | $1,231.20 |
| $1,800.00 | $46.80 | $1,846.80 |
| $2,500.00 | $65.00 | $2,565.00 |
| $3,500.00 | $91.00 | $3,591.00 |
How the Portland, Maine cap works
Rent increases require 75 days’ written notice in Portland, longer than the 45 days Maine requires elsewhere.
Exemptions
- Owner-occupied buildings of four or fewer units, accessory dwelling units and some subsidised housing.
75 days’ written notice for a rent increase in Portland (Maine state law is 45 days).
Related Maine rules
- Notice to end a month-to-month tenancy: Tenancy at will (month-to-month) terminated by either party with at least 30 days' written notice; 7-day notice allowed for nonpayment (7+ days in arrears), substantial damage, nuisance, etc. Rent paid in full before the 7-day notice expires voids it.
- Late fees: Maximum 4% of one month's rent; rent is not 'late' until 15 days after the due date; landlord must give written notice at lease signing that a penalty up to 4% may be charged.
- Security deposit: 2 months' rent; returned Within the time stated in a written lease, not to exceed 30 days after termination; 21 days for a tenancy at will (measured from termination or surrender and acceptance, whichever is later)..
Full page: Maine landlord and tenant rules.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Portland, Maine rent increase limit for 2026–2027?
2.6% base increase for the year starting 1 September 2026, before any banked increases or approved adjustments, which together may not exceed 10%.
How much notice is required for a rent increase in Portland, Maine?
75 days’ written notice.