National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in Maine?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

The written deadlines let an uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in Maine finish in about 4 to 6 weeks at the fastest, before time to file, serve the tenant and get on the court's calendar.

The Maine eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    7 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    7 days for nonpayment

    From our guide: “Nonpayment: seven days. Rent must be seven or more days late.”

  2. 2Court case

    14 to 24 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Hearing set 14+ days after service, held within 10 days of return day

    From our guide: “set the hearing at least 14 days after the tenant is served with them” and “The court must schedule and hold the hearing no later than 10 days after the return day”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    9 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Writ 7 days after judgment; 48 hours to move out

    From our guide: “The writ of possession issues seven calendar days after judgment” and “the tenant has 48 hours to remove themselves and their belongings”

What can slow it down

  • Discretionary court mediation and busy dockets in Portland, Lewiston and Bangor commonly stretch cases to several weeks or more beyond these statutory minimums.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full Maine eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

Maine scores 6 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (balanced).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed Maine attorney before acting.