Rent control · Portland, Maine · Portland Rent Control Ordinance (Chapter 6, Article IX)

Portland, Maine Rent Control 2026: 70% of CPI, Banking and the Rent Board

Portland voters adopted rent control in 2020 (Question DD) and tightened it in 2022. Most residential rentals in the city are covered; the annual allowable increase is 70% of the change in CPI, with unused increases bankable and a total ceiling of 10% in any year. A separate 5% adjustment is allowed on turnover. Landlords must register units and give 75 days' notice of an increase.

70% of CPIannual cap

10%ceiling incl. banking

Rent Boardpetitions

75 daysnotice

Covered and exempt

Covered: most residential rental units in Portland
Exempt: owner-occupied buildings of 2–4 units where the owner lives on site, subsidized housing, some accessory units and short-term rentals

Rules that ride along

75 days' written notice for any increase
Annual registration with the Housing Safety Office
Rent Board hearings for hardship increases above the cap
Application fees capped; security deposit limited to one month

Frequently asked

What counts toward the 10% ceiling?

The CPI allowance, any banked increases and the tax-rate passthrough combined cannot exceed 10% in a single 12-month period.

Related

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Last reviewed September 15, 2026 against City of Portland, ME — Rent Control. Figures we re-check each year: Current-year CPI allowance. General information for landlords and renters, not legal advice; local rules can add requirements.