Maine § 6024-A. - Landlord failure to pay for utility service
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 6024-A. — Landlord failure to pay for utility service, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 6024-A.. Landlord failure to pay for utility service
1. Deduct from rent. If a landlord fails to pay for utility service in the name of the landlord, the tenant, in accordance with Title 35‑A, section 706, may pay for the utility service and deduct the amount paid from the rent due to the landlord.
2. Award damages. In addition to the remedy set forth in subsection 1, upon a finding by a court that a landlord has failed to pay for utility service in the name of the landlord, the court shall award to the tenant actual damages in the amount actually paid for utilities by the tenant or $100, whichever is greater, together with the aggregate amount of costs and expenses reasonably incurred in connection with the action. The court may also award to the tenant reasonable attorney's fees.
3. Presumption. In any action brought pursuant to subsection 2, there is a rebuttable presumption that the landlord knowingly failed to pay for the utility service. If the landlord rebuts this presumption, the landlord is liable to the tenant only for actual damages suffered by the tenant.
Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 6024-A.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 6024-A. cover?
Section 6024-A. ("Landlord failure to pay for utility service") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 6024-A.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 6024-A." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 6024-A. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.