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Overview
Maine now has a mold-specific habitability law. LD 1927 was enacted on January 11, 2026 as Public Law 2025, chapter 515, adding mold to the implied warranty and covenant of habitability in 14 MRSA Section 6021. Tenants can rely on this explicit mold protection in addition to Maine's general habitability requirements. [Maine Legislature - LD 1927 Text and Status]
What to Do Now
Most people come here because they need practical next steps quickly. Start here, then use the legal sections below for your state-specific rights.
- Fix active leaks immediately and dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours.
- Document visible mold with photos, dates, and affected rooms before cleanup.
- If you rent, send written notice and keep copies. Use the documentation guide to track everything.
- Compare your options in the DIY vs professional guide before starting larger cleanup.
- If symptoms are present, review when to seek medical care.
Tenant Rights
Right to Habitable Housing
Maine tenants have the right to live in a rental unit that is fit for human habitation. The landlord must promise that the home is safe and healthy to live in. This includes the duty to address mold problems that impact tenant health or safety.
Right to Request Repairs
Tenants have the right to notify their landlord in writing about conditions that endanger health or safety, including mold problems. The landlord must take prompt, effective steps to repair or remedy the condition after receiving notice.
Landlord Responsibilities
Maintain Habitable Premises
Landlords in Maine must maintain rental properties in a condition fit for human habitation. This includes addressing mold problems that impact tenant health or safety. Landlords are responsible for mold issues the tenant did not cause.
Respond to Repair Requests
Landlords must take prompt, effective steps to repair or remedy conditions that endanger or materially impair the health or safety of tenants after receiving written notice. Failure to respond reasonably can result in court action and remedies against the landlord.
Remedies Available to Tenants
Rent Withholding
Available: Tenants may pursue rent withholding through the court system. If a landlord breaches the implied warranty of habitability, the court may determine the fair value of occupancy and order the landlord to rebate rent paid in excess of that value. Tenants should not simply stop paying rent without court involvement, as this could result in eviction. Tenants must have been current on rent at the time written notice of the condition was given to the landlord.
Repair and Deduct
Available: If the landlord fails to repair a condition that endangers health and safety, and the cost of compliance is less than $500 or half the monthly rent (whichever is greater), the tenant may send written notice by certified mail of intent to correct the condition. If the landlord does not make repairs within 14 days (or immediately in emergencies), the tenant may hire licensed professionals to make the repairs and deduct the fair and reasonable cost from rent. The tenant must provide an itemized statement to the landlord. Electrical, oil burner, or plumbing work must be done by licensed professionals.
Breaking a Lease Due to Mold
Documentation and Escalation
Mold Risk in Maine
Understanding Maine's unique climate and environmental factors helps explain why mold can be a significant concern in rental properties.
Record Heat and Increasing Humidity
Last year (2024) was Maine's hottest on record, with midsummer and late fall heatwaves driving the average annual statewide temperature 5 degrees above the historical average. Warmer air holds more moisture, so humidity has increased along with rising temperatures. Since 1950, Maine summers have seen an average increase of 4 to 6 degrees in equivalent temperature.
Coastal Humidity and Flooding Increase Risk
Summer humidity in Maine often ranges between 60% to 80%, particularly in coastal areas like Bar Harbor, Portland, and Rockland. Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means additional ambient moisture year-round. Climate change has increased rainfall intensity, leading to more inland flooding, property damage, and mold growth.
Mycotoxin Concerns in Southern Maine
For homeowners across Southern Maine, indoor air quality has become a growing concern, especially in older homes or properties exposed to coastal humidity. Molds that produce mycotoxins—toxic compounds that can cause long-term health issues—thrive in moisture-heavy environments like basements, attics, and waterfront homes.
Tight Home Construction Issues
At greater risk are newer homes built with tight windows and dense insulation for energy efficiency. Experts report finding huge issues in tightly built homes, mainly because they are not ventilated properly. This creates moisture traps that promote mold growth.
Remediation Costs
A small closet can cost $1,000 to remediate, while a whole house can be $50,000 to $70,000. Cleaning up mold typically is not covered by insurance unless the damage is caused by a sudden, accidental loss such as a tree falling on a roof and creating a leak.
Common Mold Types in Maine
Maine's coastal humidity, increasing rainfall intensity from climate change, and aging housing stock create persistent mold challenges. Tightly built energy-efficient homes can trap moisture when not properly ventilated. Coastal communities face additional risk from flooding and storm surge.
Cladosporium
Most common outdoor and indoor mold in Maine. Thrives in cool, damp coastal conditions. Frequently found on window frames, bathroom surfaces, and basements. Major allergen.
Aspergillus
Common in Maine homes with moisture issues. Found in HVAC systems, basements, and water-damaged buildings. Can cause aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals.
Penicillium
Spreads rapidly in water-damaged materials. Common in older Maine homes after flooding or plumbing leaks. Causes respiratory symptoms and allergic reactions.
Stachybotrys chartarum (Black Mold)
Requires sustained wet conditions. Found in Maine homes after flooding events or chronic leaks. Produces mycotoxins associated with serious respiratory problems.
Alternaria
Common in damp areas like showers and basements. Prevalent in Maine due to coastal humidity and older housing stock.
Mold Professional Requirements in Maine
Mold Legislation in Maine
Enacted laws, pending bills, and historical legislation related to mold in Maine.
Enacted Laws
LD 1927: An Act to Add Mold to the Implied Warranty and Covenant of Habitability
Adds mold to the implied warranty and covenant of habitability under 14 MRSA Section 6021.
Impact: Makes mold an explicit habitability issue statewide and strengthens tenant remedies when mold conditions endanger health and safety.
Implied Warranty of Habitability
Under Maine law, in any written or oral agreement for rental of a dwelling unit, the landlord shall be deemed to covenant and warrant that the dwelling unit is fit for human habitation. If a condition exists that endangers or materially impairs the health or safety of the tenants, and the condition was not caused by the tenant, the tenant may file a complaint in District Court or Superior Court. The tenant must have given written notice to the landlord, and the landlord must have unreasonably failed to take prompt, effective steps to repair or remedy the condition. [Maine Legislature - 14 MRSA Section 6021]
Mold Disclosure Requirements
Local Regulations
Some cities in Maine have additional mold regulations:
Major City Mold Guides
Start with a local guide, then review the full Maine mold law details.
Portland, ME
Local mold risks, prevention priorities, and next steps for Portland.
Lewiston, ME
Local mold risks, prevention priorities, and next steps for Lewiston.
Bangor, ME
Local mold risks, prevention priorities, and next steps for Bangor.
South Portland, ME
Local mold risks, prevention priorities, and next steps for South Portland.
Augusta, ME
Local mold risks, prevention priorities, and next steps for Augusta.
Financial Assistance for Mold Remediation
These programs may help cover the costs of mold assessment and remediation for eligible residents in Maine.
USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program
Provides loans up to $50,000 and grants up to $10,000 for very low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes, including mold remediation.
Eligibility: Very low-income homeowners (below 50% of area median income). Grants limited to homeowners age 62 or older.
Coverage: Loans: up to $50,000 at 1% interest for up to 20 years. Grants: up to $10,000.
Phone: 1-800-670-6553Learn More →
MaineHousing Home Repair Program
Provides assistance for essential home repairs including addressing moisture and mold issues for eligible Maine homeowners.
Eligibility: Maine homeowners meeting income guidelines
Phone: 207-626-4600Learn More →
University Extension Resources
These research-based resources from university extension programs provide reliable information on mold prevention and remediation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maine have a specific mold law?
No, Maine does not have a specific statewide mold law. However, mold issues are covered under the implied warranty of habitability (14 MRSA Section 6021), which requires landlords to maintain rental units in a condition fit for human habitation. Mold that endangers health or safety violates this warranty.
What should I do if I find mold in my Maine rental?
First, notify your landlord in writing about the mold problem and request repairs. Ask them to find and fix the water source causing the mold and remediate any damage. Keep copies of all communications. If your landlord does not respond, you can contact your local code enforcement officer or health officer to request an inspection, or contact the Maine Indoor Air Quality Council for guidance.
Can I withhold rent if my landlord refuses to fix mold in Maine?
You should not simply stop paying rent, as this could result in eviction. However, you can pursue rent remedies through the court system. If you file a habitability complaint and the court finds your landlord breached the warranty, the court may order a rent rebate for the period the mold condition existed. You must have been current on rent when you gave written notice of the problem.
Official Resources
These official resources can help you understand your rights and take action: