If you own—or are considering purchasing—a short-term rental property in Maine’s unorganized territories, important regulatory updates are taking effect. In 2025, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) finalized new rules designed to improve oversight and understanding of short-term rentals within its service area. These changes officially take effect January 12, 2026, and they are especially relevant for out-of-state buyers, investors, and newcomers planning to generate rental income in rural Maine.
Why Maine Updated Short-Term Rental Rules
Short-term rentals continue to grow across Maine, particularly in lake regions, recreational areas, and unorganized territories that fall under LUPC jurisdiction. While many municipalities have enacted their own local regulations, the LUPC determined that additional information was needed before considering further regulation in the areas it oversees.
According to LUPC Chairman Millard Billings, the goal is balance:
“The Commission is cognizant of the need to balance the unique character and economy of the Unorganized Territories.”
To achieve that balance, the Commission introduced a mandatory notice requirement, allowing the state to better understand rental activity, communicate best practices, and more effectively address complaints.
What Qualifies as a Short-Term Rental?
Under the updated rules, a short-term rental generally includes:
- Single-family homes
- Cabins or seasonal residences
- Residential campsites
when they are rented for short stays rather than long-term occupancy.
The updated rules also clarify where short-term rentals are allowed within the LUPC service area, reducing confusion for property owners and prospective buyers.
Mandatory Notification Requirement Begins January 12, 2026
Effective January 12, 2026, all short-term rental owners operating in:
- Maine’s unorganized territories
- Towns and plantations within the LUPC service area
must submit a notice to the LUPC confirming the existence of their rental.
Key points property owners should know:
- No LUPC permit is required to operate a short-term rental
- Notification is mandatory
- There is no filing fee
- An online submission system is available for convenience
Deadline for Existing Short-Term Rentals
If your short-term rental was already operating before January 12, 2026, you must submit your notice no later than July 11, 2026. New rentals established on or after January 12, 2026, must notify the LUPC at the time they begin operating.
Failure to submit the required notice could result in compliance issues down the road, particularly as Maine continues to evaluate rental activity statewide.
What This Means for Newcomers and Buyers Moving to Maine
For those relocating to Maine or purchasing property with short-term rental income in mind, these updates bring clarity and predictability. Unlike some municipalities that require permits, fees, or caps on rentals, the LUPC’s approach focuses on data collection and communication, not restriction—at least for now.
Understanding whether a property falls within the LUPC service area should be part of any due diligence process when buying land or a home in rural Maine.
Where to Find Official Information
The finalized rule changes and background materials are available on the LUPC rulemaking and project webpages. For direct assistance, property owners can contact the Commission at lupc@maine.gov or visit the official LUPC website at maine.gov/dacf/lupc.
Maine remains a welcoming place for short-term rentals, particularly in rural and recreational areas. However, beginning in 2026, transparency is required. Whether you are a longtime property owner or a newcomer exploring opportunities in the Pine Tree State, complying with the new LUPC notification rule is a simple but essential step to operating responsibly in Maine.