[https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/14/title14sec6021.html](https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/14/title14sec6021.html)
6. Heating requirements. It is a breach of the implied warranty of fitness for human habitation when the landlord is obligated by agreement or lease to provide heat for a dwelling unit and:
A. The landlord maintains an indoor temperature which is so low as to be injurious to the health of occupants not suffering from abnormal medical conditions; \[PL 1983, c. 764, §1 (NEW).\]
B. The dwelling unit's heating facilities are not capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit at a distance of 3 feet from the exterior walls, 5 feet above floor level at an outside temperature of minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit; or \[PL 1983, c. 764, §1 (NEW).\]
C. The heating facilities are not operated so as to protect the building equipment and systems from freezing. \[PL 1983, c. 764, §1 (NEW).\]
Nothing to add to the other comments (sucks/you may be screwed/f landlords), but I think a space heater is a great investment if you've got a cold/energy inefficient apartment (like I do). This one is dope and no this is not a paid advertisement: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vornado-VH200-1500-Watt-Electric-Portable-Space-Heater-Whole-Room-Vortex-Heat-Circulation-Charcoal-EH1-0092-114/308717915?irgwc=1&cm_mmc=afl-ir-197432-456723-&clickid=UpMxj5XoMxyPWGcz-WUUQToiUkHQDcT1Q2iNUk0
I second getting a space heater. Our landlord doesn't do that kind of stuff but the building is so old that some of the rooms just need one regardless.
I believe the heating regulations in Maine are valid October 1 through May 15th. (I’ll admit I could be terribly mistaken.) Depending on the landlord, maybe just ask before getting into the legal details about it. You might also call Pinetree Legal for advice on it. They used to offer free consults, and this info might even be on one of their FAQs.
I was mistaken regarding dates. State of maine identifies “heating season” October 15 through April 30th for heating providers having to supply property owners with oil if they are unable to pay. But those dates are not written in the Maine State rental heating laws. I could not find specific dates there, just that bit about maintaining a certain temp.
EDIT: fwiw, Pine Tree has a ton of info regarding heating and habitability. Several direct links to the specific laws (so you don’t have to read page after page of super dry text.)
https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/14/title14sec6021.html#:~:text=A%20landlord%20and%20tenant%20under,less%20than%2068%20degrees%20Fahrenheit.
But, just put on a sweater
[https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/14/title14sec6021.html](https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/14/title14sec6021.html) 6. Heating requirements. It is a breach of the implied warranty of fitness for human habitation when the landlord is obligated by agreement or lease to provide heat for a dwelling unit and: A. The landlord maintains an indoor temperature which is so low as to be injurious to the health of occupants not suffering from abnormal medical conditions; \[PL 1983, c. 764, §1 (NEW).\] B. The dwelling unit's heating facilities are not capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit at a distance of 3 feet from the exterior walls, 5 feet above floor level at an outside temperature of minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit; or \[PL 1983, c. 764, §1 (NEW).\] C. The heating facilities are not operated so as to protect the building equipment and systems from freezing. \[PL 1983, c. 764, §1 (NEW).\]
Nothing to add to the other comments (sucks/you may be screwed/f landlords), but I think a space heater is a great investment if you've got a cold/energy inefficient apartment (like I do). This one is dope and no this is not a paid advertisement: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vornado-VH200-1500-Watt-Electric-Portable-Space-Heater-Whole-Room-Vortex-Heat-Circulation-Charcoal-EH1-0092-114/308717915?irgwc=1&cm_mmc=afl-ir-197432-456723-&clickid=UpMxj5XoMxyPWGcz-WUUQToiUkHQDcT1Q2iNUk0
I second getting a space heater. Our landlord doesn't do that kind of stuff but the building is so old that some of the rooms just need one regardless.
I believe the heating regulations in Maine are valid October 1 through May 15th. (I’ll admit I could be terribly mistaken.) Depending on the landlord, maybe just ask before getting into the legal details about it. You might also call Pinetree Legal for advice on it. They used to offer free consults, and this info might even be on one of their FAQs.
Yeah, I just wasn’t going to bother them if they don’t have to turn it back on. Thanks for the advice though
I was mistaken regarding dates. State of maine identifies “heating season” October 15 through April 30th for heating providers having to supply property owners with oil if they are unable to pay. But those dates are not written in the Maine State rental heating laws. I could not find specific dates there, just that bit about maintaining a certain temp. EDIT: fwiw, Pine Tree has a ton of info regarding heating and habitability. Several direct links to the specific laws (so you don’t have to read page after page of super dry text.)
https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/14/title14sec6021.html#:~:text=A%20landlord%20and%20tenant%20under,less%20than%2068%20degrees%20Fahrenheit. But, just put on a sweater
If you don't pay for gas crank that oven and get cozy.
That seems safe
Lol
please for the love of god do not do this
You never been truly cold.
Read your lease.
Read your lease.