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Housing Safety
The Licensing and Registration Office administers the rental housing registration and schedules the property inspections for buildings that contain short term and long term rental units within the City of Portland. All property owners are required to annually register residential rental units with the City's licensing and registration Office by December 31st or within thirty (30) days of renting a property. This includes rooms, apartments, condominiums, and houses.
Relevant Documents
2021 Longterm Rental Application (to come soon)
Tenants' Housing Rights
2020 Rent Control Ordinance FAQs
Guidance on Rental Units
A rental unit can be a rented room, apartment, house or condominium for any length of time:
- Long term (>30 days) - Leased or month-to-month residential units; or
- Short term (<30 days) - Any type of overnight, weekly or summer or seasonal residential rental through AirBnB, similar websites and other means
Registration Steps
Completing an annual registration for residential rental property includes:
- Providing contact information for the City to:
- Schedule an inspection appointment with the owner or property manager.
- Communicate with the owner or property manager to resolve an issue with a building.
- Contact the owner or property manager in an emergency.
- Submitting documentation for the eligible discounts requested; and
- Paying for the residential rental registration.
Registration
For more information about the registration process or to download the registration form visit the Licensing and Registration Office in Room 307 of City Hall, call (207) 756-8131 or (207) 874-8557.
Download your registration form now: Rental Housing Registration, then complete and email to:
housingsafety@portlandmaine.gov
Check the status of a registration on our Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal, by clicking this link and selecting "Business License" in the search drop-down box, then choose the license type.
Discount Documentation
Submit your Discount Documents by mail, email to housingsafety@portlandmaine.gov or in person at Licensing and Registration Office, Room 307, City Hall, 389 Congress Street, Portland Maine 04101.
Payment
Pay the Registration Fee Online or mail your check to Licensing and Registration Office, Room 307, City Hall, 389 Congress Street, Portland Maine 04101 or pay in person. Please reference your Registration Number or Address when you make your payment. Complete invoice number is required for online payment.
Pay the Registration Fee using a Credit Card or e-check Online
Rental Inspections
A representative from our department will contact you to schedule an inspection of the property. This Pre-Inspection Checklist will provide some examples of what the inspection will cover. Please use the confirmation to notify your tenants in advance. Inspections are conducted Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM. For more information about rental inspections, please visit our Rental Inspections page.
The Licensing and Registration Office is open in Room 307 of City Hall 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Wednesday; 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Thursday & Friday.
Contact Us
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Housing Safety
Jessica Hanscombe
Licensing and Housing Safety Manager
Email:
housingsafety@portlandmaine.gov
Ph: 207-756-8131
Address
City Hall
Room 307
389 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04101
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City Seeks Applicants for Vacancies on Several Boards & Committees
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