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MaineLD 1927132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Add Mold to the Implied Warranty and Covenant of Habitability

Sponsored By: Christopher Kessler (Democratic)

Became Law

REAL ESTATEREAL ESTATE - LANDLORD AND TENANT

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Faster leak repairs and cleanup for renters

After you give written or oral notice of a leak, the landlord must promptly inspect and take steps to stop or reduce it. The landlord must repair the source and restore the area, including removing porous materials that were wet more than 48 hours. Before any mold cleanup or restoration, the landlord must fix the underlying leak or dampness problem.

Stronger mold inspection and cleanup rules

When you report visible mold or dampness, the landlord must promptly inspect for visible growth and chronic moisture. If more than 10 square feet is found, a mold assessment professional must assess it, and a remediation professional must do the cleanup. Areas 10 square feet or less may be remediated by the landlord or agent. All assessment and cleanup must follow best practices, and any hired mold professionals must carry liability insurance. If mold or dampness exists, the landlord must create a written repair, cleanup, and restoration plan and share it with affected tenants.

Upfront mold disclosures and no unsafe rentals

Before renting, the landlord must disclose if the unit, an adjacent unit, or a common area has a current leak, visible mold or dampness, or needs regular dehumidification. On request, the landlord must give the last inspection date for those areas and the results. A landlord may not offer a unit for rent if they know it has an unremediated leak, visible mold, or dampness under this law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Christopher Kessler

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Daniel Shagoury

    Democratic • House

  • David Woodsome

    Republican • House

  • James D. Libby

    Republican • Senate

  • Karen Montell

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 515

    5/1/2026

  2. HELD BY THE GOVERNOR.

    7/8/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/16/2025Senate

  4. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/16/2025House

  5. Reports READ.On motion of Representative KUHN of Falmouth, REPORT A Ought to Pass as Amended was ACCEPTED.The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-681) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-681).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/13/2025House

  6. Reports READ On motion by Senator CARNEY of Cumberland The Report A Ought to Pass As Amended Report ACCEPTED in concurrence READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (H-681) READ. READ and ADOPTED in concurrence Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-681) Ordered sent down forthwith

    6/13/2025Senate

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/7/2025Senate

  8. Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT suggested and ordered printed. On motion of Representative GERE of Kennebunkport, the Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/6/2025House

Bill Text

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