Maine Real Estate License Practice Exam

What type of notice must a landlord give a tenant at will in Maine before eviction without cause?

1. 7 day notice before a rent day

2. 30 day notice before a rent day

3. Deliver a notice in person

4. County sheriff must deliver the notice

The correct answer is: 30 day notice before a rent day

In Maine, a landlord is required to provide a tenant at will with a 30-day notice before eviction without cause. This notice period is designed to give the tenant sufficient time to make arrangements, whether that means finding a new place to live or making necessary preparations for moving out. This requirement ensures that tenants have a fair opportunity to transition without being abruptly displaced. It reflects the state's law on residential tenancies, particularly regarding the rights of tenants to adequate notice. In the context of tenancy at will, which is a flexible arrangement often without a fixed term, the longer notice period helps in providing stability and predictability for tenants who may otherwise find themselves in precarious situations. The other choices do not meet legal standards in Maine for this type of eviction notice. The 7-day notice is too short for a tenant at will, and while delivering a notice in person can be a method of communication, the law specifically requires a formal 30-day notice for eviction without cause. Additionally, while a sheriff's involvement may be necessary for formal eviction procedures once notice has been given, it is not a requirement for the initial notification regarding the intention to terminate the tenancy.