Lewiston, ME local landlord rules

Rental licensing / registration

Yes, for multi-family buildings. Every multi-family building with rental housing must be registered with the city, at no cost, before units are rented or occupied (§ 23-203). Registration is renewed before March 1 each year and expires at the end of February. New owners must register within 60 days of a purchase or transfer, and newly built buildings within 30 days of the certificate of occupancy (§ 23-204). Owners must allow city inspections. Single-family homes, small condo/co-op holdings (no one owns more than two units), hotels, dorms and mobile home parks are exempt (§ 23-202). Unregistered buildings face a civil penalty and lose eligibility for city loan and grant programs (§ 23-207).

Verified Source: Lewiston Code ch. 23, art. II, Sec. 23-202, Sec. 23-203, Sec. 23-204, Sec. 23-207 · last checked 2026-10-16