# 14 M.R.S. § 6024: 14 §6024. Heat and utilities in common areas

> Maine · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710_S6024

## Section

- **Citation:** 14 M.R.S. § 6024
- **Heading:** 14 §6024. Heat and utilities in common areas
- **Jurisdiction:** Maine
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** ME Code / Title 14 / Part 7 / Chapter 710 / Section 6024

## Text

A landlord may not enter into a lease or tenancy at will agreement for a dwelling unit in a multi-unit residential building where the expense of furnishing heat or electricity or any other utility to the common areas or other area not within the unit is the sole responsibility of the tenant in that unit, unless both parties to the lease or tenancy at will agreement have agreed in writing that the tenant will pay for such costs in return for a stated reduction in rent or other specified fair consideration that approximates the actual cost of providing heat or utilities to the common areas. "Common areas" includes, but is not limited to, hallways, stairwells, basements, attics, storage areas, fuel furnaces or water heaters used in common with other tenants. Except as provided in this section, a written or oral waiver of this requirement is against public policy and is void. Any person in violation of this section is liable to the tenant for actual damages or $250, whichever is greater, and reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. In any action brought pursuant to this section, there is a rebuttable presumption that the landlord is aware that the tenant has been furnishing heat or utility service to common areas or other units. If the landlord rebuts this presumption, the landlord is required to comply with this section but is only liable to the tenant for actual damages suffered by the tenant. [PL 2009, c. 566, §10 (AMD).]

## Nearby sections

- [14 M.R.S. § 6021 14 §6021. Implied warranty and covenant of habitability](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710_S6021.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6021-A 14 §6021-A. Treatment of bedbug infestation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710_S6021-A.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6022 14 §6022. Receipts for rent payments and security deposits](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710_S6022.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6022-A 14 §6022-A. Limit on initial amount paid by tenant](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710_S6022-A.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6023 14 §6023. Agency](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710_S6023.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6024 14 §6024. Heat and utilities in common areas](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710_S6024.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6024-A 14 §6024-A. Landlord failure to pay for utility service](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710_S6024-A.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6025 14 §6025. Access to premises](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710_S6025.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6025-A 14 §6025-A. Access to care for animals](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710_S6025-A.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6026 14 §6026. Dangerous conditions requiring minor repairs](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710_S6026.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6026-A 14 §6026-A. Municipal intervention to provide for basic necessities](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710_S6026-A.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6028 14 §6028. Penalties for late payment of rent](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710_S6028.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6030 14 §6030. Unfair agreements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710_S6030.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6030-A 14 §6030-A. Protection of rental property or tenants](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710_S6030-A.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710_S6024. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.