c. Affordable units, (i.e., housing units where rent is controlled,
limited, or set by a federal, state, or local governmental agency,
including those accepting Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)),
so long as they remain in compliance with those programs
d. There are additional exemptions related to dormitories,
institutions, single-family residences, etc. Please refer to Section
12-503 of the ordinance.
3. Will the City of South Portland enforce the annual rent cap when there is
a violation?
Answer: If there is a violation of the rent cap, the ordinance provides the
tenant an affirmative defense in a forcible entry and detainer (FED) or
other action brought by the Landlord to evict the tenant. In other words, it
is self-enforcing, but the City will monitor compliance with the ordinance
and retains the right to take action if the event of egregious and/or
intentional violations of or non-compliance with the ordinance.
4. When does this ordinance take effect?
Answer: The applicability date of the rent stabilization ordinance is May
27, 2023. The requirement to provide 90 days advance written notice of a
rent increase became effective on January 1, 2023.
5. Where can I find the notice requirements and Disclosure Form required by
the City?
Answer: The City maintains a page on the City’s website with all of the
information related to this ordinance, including required Disclosure Form
and notice language in a document titled “Rights and Responsibilities of
Tenants and Landlords”. A link to the webpage can be found in the footer
of this document.
www.southportland.org/residents/renter-information