Is Portland the only Maine municipality with rent control laws? | Fact brief

In addition to Portland — which in 2020 became the first Maine community to pass rent control — South Portland also has a broad rent stabilization ordinance. Several other Maine municipalities have passed narrower rules that apply only to mobile home parks.

Portland’s rent control ordinance took effect in January 2021. It generally limits annual rent increases using an inflation-based formula tied to the Boston area’s Consumer Price Index.

South Portland’s ordinance took effect in 2023. It limits annual rent increases to 10% when the residence in question is one of at least 16 units under common or affiliated ownership, with various exemptions.

Old Orchard Beach and Waterville have passed narrower ordinances limiting rent increases at mobile home parks. Several other communities have passed temporary measures to control mobile home park rents, including Lewiston, Auburn, Brunswick and Gorham.