Almost 35 years ago, Maine landlords and property managers realized that in order to:

• 1) manage their rental properties more knowledgably and effectively,
• 2) achieve a friendlier and more balanced landlord-tenant environment, and
• 3) operate more cost efficiently,
   

we had to unite locally and statewide. The newly formed landlord associations joined to create the statewide umbrella organization called Maine Apartment Owners And Managers Association, Inc. (MAOMA). MAOMA currently has seven affiliated local chapters and represents nearly 3,000 members statewide. When you join a MAOMA-affiliated local landlord chapter, you also automatically become a MAOMA member.

Over the years, one MAOMA mission has been to educate members regarding issues such as tenant screening, the eviction process, security deposits, housing and life-safety codes, hazardous materials, smoke detectors, proper maintenance practices and tips, pest control, fair credit reporting, lead law, fair housing laws, Section 8 and other HUD programs, water conservation, trash recycling, FCC rulings, insurance liability, criminal activities, etc. Much of this educational effort has been via the MAOMA newsletter.

Another important MAOMA activity has been it's lobbying and advocacy work with the state legislature. There was a time when some Maine landlord/tenant laws were ill conceived or biased in favor of the tenant. Thanks to MAOMA and our lobbyist, John Royce, these laws make more sense and are now more balanced for both landlord and tenant. When new legislation is proposed that can affect the rental industry, MAOMA is aware of it. MAOMA speaks out and educates all parties. MAOMA also proposes new legislation, much of which gets passed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor. The result is a better business environment for Maine landlords.

As MAOMA grows, it is able to do even more for members. With a critical mass of landlords representing approximately 60,000 rental units across the state, MAOMA has significant buying power.   You can save money on Maine landlord books. Down the road, it may be possible to negotiate statewide rates for gas, heating oil, pest control services, etc. In the meantime, local affiliated chapters have some excellent discount programs already in effect. Check them out!

Technology is driving some changes. MAOMA is proud to have this new and expanded website. The website has a LINKS section that connects you to all the local landlord associations and to other sites of interest to landlords. The OUR PLEDGE area summarizes most of the major responsibilities and legal obligations of landlords and property managers. LEGISLATION summarizes the most recent law changes and current bills now being considered by the legislature. NEWSLETTER gives you a complete digital copy of the latest newsletters and a peek into some of the important issues and topics of the day. Also check out LEAD LAW COMPLIANCE, FAIR HOUSING, FIRE SAFETY, QUALIFYING APPLICANTS, CREDIT REPORTS, SECURITY DEPOSITS, TIMELY TOPICS, LEASES, EVICTIONS, FORMS, BOOKS, UPCOMING EVENTS, AND MESSAGE BOARD. The latter allows you to communicate with other landlords nationally via chat rooms and bulletin boards.

Each local MAOMA affiliate offers a unique blend of membership services that can include opportunities for career enhancement, volunteer leadership and community involvement.

If you are new to the apartment rental and management business, or even if you have many years of experience, to stay on top of the many things that you should know about, you really should belong to a local MAOMA-affiliated chapter.

Tell your landlord friends about MAOMA.  In numbers there is strength!

Click here to view Our Pledge