Any owners in Maine who have rented for ~3 months?

[Elisha Cram]

I have had a request on HomeAway to rent from Jan 1 to Apr 1 of 2019. March tends to be dead in this area, though we do get snowmobilers in January and February.

Are there any owners out there from Maine who have done some of these 1+ month rentals? Obviously, I have read the pinned post, so that is a concern for me. I have been trying to find out what, if any, length of stay would create a resident situation as that case in California, but I haven't been able to find the info I am seeking. 

Has anyone done this who can share their experience? Could anyone point me toward resources to learn more about the implications of this type of rental term? Can anyone recommend a good real estate attorney in the Bangor area?

I would be thrilled to have my place rented up the first 90 days of the year, but I also want to make sure I do my due diligence and understand what I am committing to. Thanks for any help. 

~Elisha

[David Marshall]

Hi Elisha,

Great questions that you have. You should consult an attorney and have a short-term lease agreement for the guest. 

This is not legal advice and I am not an attorney. 

It is my understanding that tenancy in Maine is 30 days or more so we limit short-term rentals to 25 days or less and require a lease be signed for anything 30 days or more.

Last winter we had tenants for 5 months in one of our rental units. We signed a 5 month lease with them. When the lease expired, then moved out and we started renting short-term again.

It is great to combine long-term stays with short-term stays. Analyze your rental history and determine what months you will make the most through short-term rentals. For the months that you can get more through long-term rentals, require longer stays. By doing this you will maximize your income.

Feel free to PM me if you would like to discuss this further.

[Ryan Murdock]

I believe 28 days is the cut off and only if you are set up for short term rentals (daily or weekly rate with a lodging license). Weekly stays beyond 28 days and you now have yourself a regular tenant.

Same applies if you initially agree to anything more than 28 days, like accepting payment for and agreeing to let them stay a month. Even if you want them gone on Day 2 you'll need to evict them same as you would any long term tenant.

LOTS of gray area with all this so consult a qualified attorney. Jeff Russell in Bangor is a good one.

[Ed Emmons]

You can do 3 month rentals. You are just subject to all the normal rental laws. You will want to use your normal lease. I would not go under 60 days. If you try a one month lease they can argue that they are only tenants at will and then you lose almost all your rights. I have done short term many times but obviously screen closely as they don’t have a lot invested and you want it near perfect when they leave. I would consider a little higher security deposit.