lawyer

Petition for Forcible Entry and Detainer

Obtain a standard form seven day notice to quit. Maine law requires you to prepare a seven-day Notice To Quit before you initiate an eviction lawsuit. On the notice you insert the reason the tenant violated the lease. For example, if the tenant failed to pay rent, include that in the notice. Under Maine law the tenant must be at least seven days behind on rent to start the process with the notice. If the notice is for nonpayment of rent, it must contain this clause pursuant to Maine law:

"If you pay the amount of rent due as of the date of this notice before this notice expires, then this notice as it applies to rent arrearage is void."

If you prepare a notice for another lease violation, the tenant must vacate the premises within seven days or you file an eviction lawsuit.

Deliver the seven day notice to the tenant. Maine law requires that you make at least three good faith attempts to deliver the notice to the tenant in person. After these attempts, you can leave the notice in a conspicuous place at the tenant's home.