How to Dispute an HOA Violation in Maine

HOA Law in Maine

Maine governs condominiums through the Maine Condominium Act (33 M.R.S. §1601-101 et seq.) and planned communities through various provisions of the Maine Revised Statutes. While Maine does not have a single comprehensive HOA statute for all planned communities, the Condominium Act provides detailed rules for condominium associations, and other planned communities are governed by their CC&Rs as enforceable contracts.

Maine courts treat HOA covenants as restrictive covenants that run with the land. They are generally enforceable as written, but Maine courts apply the principle that restrictions on property use should be narrowly construed. This means that if a covenant is ambiguous, it will be interpreted in favor of the property owner's right to use their land freely.

For homeowners in Maine facing HOA disputes, the key is to carefully review your specific governing documents. Maine's relatively small HOA communities often allow for more informal dispute resolution, but it is still important to follow the procedures outlined in your CC&Rs. If the board is not acting in accordance with its own governing documents or is enforcing rules selectively, you can seek relief through the Maine courts.