Portland, Maine caps annual rent increases on covered units at 70% of the change in CPI-U, an allowable increase of 2.2% for 2026, under its Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
Portland's rent control and deposit limit change an investor's rent growth and cash at lease-up, and every long-term rental unit must be registered each year. For the Maine rules that apply statewide, see DSCR loans in Maine.
Does Portland, Maine limit rent increases?
Yes. Portland's Rent Stabilization Ordinance lets rent rise once every 12 months by the Allowable Increase Percentage, set at 70% of the change in CPI-U for Greater Boston, which is 2.2% for 2026, and allows a 5% increase on base rent after a voluntary vacancy.
- Portland landlords may not require a security deposit of more than one month's rent under City Code Sec. 6-223.2, while Maine state law (14 M.R.S. 6032) allows up to two months.
Exception: Coverage and exemptions are set in the ordinance. Check whether your unit is covered before you set rent.
According to the City of Portland Rent Control and Tenant Protections guide and the Rent Control Ordinance FAQ (version 2025.10.24), as of October 2026.
Do Portland, Maine rentals have to be registered?
Yes. Long-term rental units must be registered every year, at $55 per unit minus discounts of up to $20 per unit, with late fees of $50 per unit after 14 days and $200 per unit after 45 days.
- New rentals must be registered within 14 days of being rented.
- Short-term rentals register separately, starting at $200 for a first non-owner-occupied unit.
Exception: Units in owner-occupied buildings of two to four units are exempt from the rent increase limits but must still be registered. Check the application for details.
According to the City of Portland Long-Term Rental Registration Application and Short-Term Rental Registration Application, plus the city's Rent Control Ordinance FAQ for late fees, as of October 2026.
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This page is general education about business-purpose real estate financing and state law as published by official sources on the date shown. It is not legal, tax or lending advice, not an offer to lend and not a rate quote. Laws and lender guidelines change; confirm current rules with the lender, the title company and your own attorney or tax adviser.