New Maine law promotes full disclosure for rent prices [Video]

Another new state law is in effect this new year. Landlords must now let potential tenants know the full cost of renting an apartment or home.The new law will give Mainers more transparency into what they’re actually signing up for when they rent a home.Redbank Village resident Cheryl Harkins said she’s been dealing with unexpected higher rent payments at her own home. “With the rent increases and the hidden fees that were added to our rent prices every month, it got to be ridiculous,” Harkins said.Harkins supported a bill — now law — to help protect renters like her.In public testimony, Democratic Lawmaker Chris Kessler said rent at Redbank Village in South Portland increased by as much as $700 a month with fees that are buried in lengthy leases. Kessler said they’ve been allowed to list their apartments at a price that doesn’t truly reflect how much a resident will …