Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 5, §§ 205-A–214 § 206
Definitions
Operative Text
The following words, as used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires or a different meaning is specifically required, shall mean: 1. Documentary material. "Documentary material" shall include the original or a copy of any book, record, report, memorandum, paper, communication, tabulation, map, chart, photograph, mechanical transcription or other tangible document or recording wherever situate. 2. Person. "Person" shall include, where applicable, natural persons, corporations, trusts, partnerships, incorporated or unincorporated associations and any other legal entity. 3. Trade and commerce. "Trade" and "commerce" shall include the advertising, offering for sale, sale or distribution of any services and any property, tangible or intangible, real, personal or mixed, and any other article, commodity or thing of value wherever situate, and shall include any trade or commerce directly or indirectly affecting the people of this State.
Maine Revised Statutes Title 5, §§ 205-A and 206 establish the foundational definitions that govern how key terms are interpreted throughout Maine's consumer protection chapter. 'Documentary material' covers a broad range of physical and recorded items, 'person' encompasses virtually every type of legal actor from individuals to corporations, and 'trade and commerce' is defined expansively to include any advertising, sale, or distribution of goods or services that touches Maine residents. These definitions set the interpretive boundaries for all other provisions in the chapter, ensuring consistent application of the law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 5 M.R.S. §§ 205-A and 206, property owners and management companies fall squarely within the definition of 'person,' meaning they are subject to the chapter's requirements. Because renting residential property constitutes 'trade and commerce' as defined in § 206, landlords' advertising, leasing, and service-related activities are all within the chapter's scope. Operators who maintain thorough records should be aware that 'documentary material' under this provision is defined broadly, encompassing everything from written leases to photographs and electronic records.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
The definitions in 5 M.R.S. §§ 205-A and 206 are significant for tenants because they establish that residential rental activity—including how a landlord advertises a unit or conducts a lease transaction—qualifies as 'trade and commerce' under Maine law. This broad framing means that tenants may have standing to raise violations of the consumer protection chapter in connection with rental-related conduct. Tenants who believe a landlord's practices fall under this chapter may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or the Maine Attorney General's consumer protection office to understand available complaint and enforcement paths.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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