Maine community associations are governed primarily by their recorded governing documents (declaration, bylaws, and rules) together with several state statutes, depending on the type of community.
Condominiums are governed by the Maine Condominium Act (Title 33, Chapter 31 of the Maine Revised Statutes), which is based on the Uniform Condominium Act and applies to condominiums created after December 31, 1982; condominiums formed before January 1, 1983 are governed by the earlier Unit Ownership Act (Title 33, Chapter 10). These statutes address creation of condominiums, common areas, unit owners' associations, assessments, liens, and required disclosures. Because most associations are incorporated as nonprofit corporations, the Maine Nonprofit Corporation Act (Title 13-B) also applies to governance matters such as membership, boards, meetings, and records. Maine does not have a single comprehensive statute for non-condominium planned communities, so those associations are governed mainly by their recorded covenants and by general property and contract law.
Federal laws such as the Fair Housing Act, the FCC OTARD rule on satellite dishes and antennas, and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act also apply, along with local ordinances.
Official and third-party sources: Maine Revised Statutes (legislature.maine.gov/statutes); Maine Secretary of State (maine.gov/sos); HOA-USA Maine summary (hoa-usa.com/state-laws/maine).
This overview is general information, not legal advice; consult a Maine attorney or your association's counsel about how these laws apply to your community.
