Sen. Duson bill to strengthen privacy rights of Maine tenants becomes law

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, April 22, a bill sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Jill Duson, D-Portland, to bolster tenant privacy rights and provide guardrails against retaliation became law without the Governor’s signature, following enactment by the Maine Legislature.

“This new law addresses a real gap in state privacy and anti-retaliation law for Maine tenants,” said Sen. Duson. “Renters living in my district and across Maine have limited protections that this new law will strengthen. Everyone in Maine, from Portland to Presque Isle, deserves a safe place to call home without fear of harassment or intimidation. I’m hopeful that when this law takes effect later this summer, it will have a real impact on Mainers from all walks of life.”

The bill prohibits a landlord from disclosing personal information — such as name, phone number, sexual orientation, race or immigration status — about a tenant with the intent to harass, intimidate or get them to leave the property outside of a legal eviction process. The bill includes reasonable exceptions such as legitimate business purposes, judicial processes, property sales and certain requests by local law enforcement or municipal code officers.

LD 2176 will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die.

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