reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §569. Contents of declaration

§569. Contents of declaration
The declaration shall contain the following information:   [PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
1.  Description of land.
Description of the land on which the buildings and improvements are, or are to be, located together with the title of and reference to a survey of such land prepared and certified substantially correct by a licensed surveyor or engineer and recorded simultaneously with such declaration and attached to the floor plans as provided.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
2.  Description of building.
Description of the building, stating the number of stories and basements, the number of units and the principal materials of which it is, or is to be, constructed.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
3.  Identification number of units.
The identification number of each unit, and a statement of its location, approximate area, number of rooms and immediate common area to which it has access, and any other data necessary for its proper identification.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
4.  Description of areas.
Description of the common areas and facilities.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
5.  Description of limited areas.
Description of the limited common areas and facilities, if any, stating to which unit or units their use is reserved.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
6.  Percentage of ownership.
Indication of the percentage of undivided interest in the common areas and facilities appertaining to each unit and its owner. The total percentage of the undivided interests of all of the units shall equal one hundred.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
7.  Purposes.
Statement of the purposes for which the building and each of the units are intended, including restrictions, if any, as to use.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
8.  Who to receive service of process.
The name of a person to receive service of process in the cases provided.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
9.  Bylaws.
A copy of the bylaws.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
10.  Further details.
Any further details in connection with the property which the persons executing the declaration may deem desirable to set forth consistent with this chapter.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
11.  Method of amending declaration.
The method by which the declaration may be amended, consistent with this chapter.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
12.  Name.
The name of the building.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §570. Contents of deeds of units

§570. Contents of deeds of units
Deeds of units shall include the following particulars:   [PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
1.  Description of land.
Description of the land as provided in section 569, or date, title of and reference to the survey describing such land.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
2.  Date and record of declaration.
The date of the most recent declaration and the volume and page of the registry of deeds where recorded.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
3.  Identification number.
The identification number of the unit in the declaration and title of and reference to the floor plans describing any other data necessary for its proper identification.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
4.  Percentage of interest.
The percentage of undivided interest appertaining to the unit in the common areas and facilities.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
5.  Further details.
Any further details which the grantor and grantee may deem desirable to set forth consistent with the declaration and this chapter.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §571. Recording

§571. Recording
1.  Recording.
The declaration, any amendment or amendments thereto, any subsequent declaration, the bylaws, any amendment or amendments thereto and any instrument by which the provisions of this chapter may be waived, shall be acknowledged and recorded and shall not be of legal effect until duly recorded in the registry of deeds of the county in which the units lie. Such instruments shall be indexed in the grantor volume under the name of the building and shall contain a reference to the file number of the floor plans of the building affected thereby.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
2.  Revised declaration.
After the original declaration or a subsequent declaration of the bylaws contained therein has been modified or amended a total of 5 times, the board of directors shall prepare a new revised declaration with revised bylaws attached thereto, incorporating all modifications and amendments to date, which instrument shall be recorded forthwith.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
3.  Floor plans.
Simultaneously with the recording of the original declaration there shall be filed in the registry of deeds of the county in which the units lie a set of the floor plans of the building showing the layout, location, unit numbers and dimensions of the units, stating the name of the building, containing a reference to the original declaration, the date thereof and volume and page of recording and bearing the verified statement of a registered architect or licensed professional engineer certifying that the floor plans are an accurate copy of portions of the plans of the building as filed with and approved by the municipal or other governmental subdivision having jurisdiction over the issuance of permits for the construction of buildings. Attached to the floor plans shall be a survey of the land upon which the buildings and improvements are located. Such plans shall be kept by the register of deeds in a separate file for each building, numbered serially in the order of receipt and designated "unit ownership." In the event the floor plans are modified, new floor plans shall be prepared and recorded, containing all the identifications and references of the original floor plans, numbered identically as the original floor plans, filed therewith and designated "unit ownership -- floor plans modified (indicate date)." A floor plan need not be prepared or recorded of any building which contains only one unit.
[PL 1971, c. 73, §2 (AMD).]
4.  Conveyance of any legal interest.
Each conveyance of any legal interest in a unit shall be recorded and indexed similarly to the conveyance of any interest in real property. No instrument conveying or purporting to convey such an interest shall be effectual against any other person but the grantor and his heirs until duly recorded in the registry of deeds of the county in which the unit lies.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW). PL 1971, c. 73, §2 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §572. Mortgage and liens affecting a unit at time of first conveyance

§572. Mortgage and liens affecting a unit at time of first conveyance
At the time of the first conveyance of each unit, every mortgage and other lien affecting such unit, including the percentage of undivided interest of the unit in the common areas and facilities, shall be paid and satisfied of record, or the apartment being conveyed and its percentage of undivided interest in the common areas and facilities shall be released therefrom by partial release duly recorded.   [PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §573. Withdrawal

§573. Withdrawal
The unit owners may remove a property from the provisions of this chapter by an instrument to that effect, duly recorded, containing the signatures of 90% of the unit owners, provided the holders of all liens affecting any of the units consent thereto or agree, in either case by instruments duly recorded, that their liens be transferred to an undivided interest in the property. Upon removal of the property from this chapter, the unit owners shall be deemed to own the property as tenants in common with undivided interests in the percentage of undivided interests previously owned by such owner in the common areas and facilities.   [PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §574. Subsequent resubmission

§574. Subsequent resubmission
The removal provided for in section 573 shall not bar the subsequent resubmission of the property to the provisions of this chapter.   [PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §575. Bylaws

§575. Bylaws
The administration of every property shall be governed by bylaws, a copy of which shall be annexed to the declaration and made a part thereof. No modification of or amendment to the bylaws shall be of legal effect until set forth in an amendment to the declaration and such amendment is duly recorded.   [PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §577. Books of receipts and expenditures; availability for examination

§577. Books of receipts and expenditures; availability for examination
The manager or board of directors shall keep detailed, accurate records in chronological order, of the receipts and expenditures affecting the common areas and facilities, specifying and itemizing the maintenance and repair expenses of the common areas and facilities and any other expenses incurred. Such records and the vouchers authorizing the payments shall be available for examination by the unit owners at convenient hours of weekdays.   [PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §578. Waiver of use of common elements; abandonment of unit

§578. Waiver of use of common elements; abandonment of unit
No unit owner may exempt himself from liability for his contribution toward the common expenses by waiver of the use or enjoyment of any of the common areas and facilities or by abandonment of his unit.   [PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §579. Separate taxation

§579. Separate taxation
Taxes, assessments, including special assessments, and other charges of this State or of any political subdivision, or of any special improvement district, or any other taxing or assessing authority shall be assessed against and collected on each individual unit, each of which shall be carried on the tax books as a separate and distinct entity for that purpose and not on the building or property as a whole. Neither the building, the property nor any of the common areas and facilities shall be deemed to be a parcel, but each unit shall be deemed to have an undivided interest therein and assessments against any such unit shall include such proportionate undivided interest. In the event the land or the building, including common areas and facilities, is separately owned, and leased to the unit owner for a period of not less than 50 years, and such lease, duly recorded, provides that the lessee shall pay all such taxes, such unit and its percentages of undivided interest in the common areas and facilities shall be deemed to be a parcel and shall be separately assessed and taxed as aforesaid.   [PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §580. Lien for common changes

§580. Lien for common changes
1.  Liens.
Subsequent to recording the declaration as provided in this chapter, and while the property remains subject to this chapter, liens or encumbrances shall arise or be created only against each unit and the percentage of undivided interest in the common areas and facilities appurtenant to such unit, in the same manner and under the same conditions in every respect as liens or encumbrances may arise or be created upon or against any other separate parcel of real property subject to individual ownership, provided no labor performed or materials furnished with the consent or at the request of a unit owner or his agent shall be the basis for the filing of a mechanics lien against the unit or any other property of any other unit owner not expressly consenting to or requesting the same, except that such express consent shall be deemed to be given by the owner of any unit in the case of emergency repairs thereto. Labor performed or materials furnished for the common areas and facilities, if authorized by the association of unit owners, the manager or board of directors, the declaration or bylaws, shall be deemed to be performed or furnished with the express consent of each unit owner and shall be the basis for the filing of a mechanics lien against each of the units and shall be subject to subsection 2.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
2.  Individual payments.
If a lien against 2 or more units becomes effective, the owner of any such unit may remove his unit and his percentage of undivided interest in the common areas and facilities appurtenant to his unit from the lien by payment of the fractional or proportional amount attributable to his unit. Such individual payment shall be computed by reference to the percentages appearing in the declaration. Subsequent to any such payment, discharge or other satisfaction, such unit and the percentage of undivided interest in the common areas and facilities appurtenant thereto shall thereafter be free and clear of the lien so paid, satisfied or discharged. Such payment, satisfaction or discharge shall not prevent the lienor from proceeding to enforce his rights against any unit and the percentage of undivided interest in the common areas and facilities appurtenant thereto not so paid, satisfied or discharged.
[PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §581. Foreclosure

§581. Foreclosure
All sums assessed by the association of unit owners, but unpaid for the share of the common expenses chargeable to any unit shall constitute a lien on such unit prior to all other liens, except only tax liens on the unit in favor of any assessing unit and special district, including any state and federal tax liens, and all sums unpaid on mortgages of record. Such lien may be claimed 60 days after the due date of the assessment. It shall be signed by the manager or one of the members of the board of directors and shall be perfected by filing it in the registry of deeds of the county in which the unit lies, and by leaving a true and attested copy thereof with the unit owner against whom such lien is claimed or at his usual place of abode, or, if such unit owner resides outside the municipality in which the unit lies, by mailing such copy to him at the place where he resides. Such lien shall be limited and discharged in accordance with the general statutes. Such lien may be foreclosed by action by the manager or board of directors, acting on behalf of the unit owners, in like manner as a mortgage of real property including reimbursement for costs and reasonable attorneys' fees. In any such foreclosure the unit owner shall be required to pay a reasonable rental for the unit, if so provided in the bylaws and the plaintiff in such foreclosure shall be entitled to the appointment of a receiver to collect the same. The manager or board of directors, acting on behalf of the unit owners, shall have power, unless prohibited by the declaration, to bid in the unit at foreclosure sale, and to acquire and hold, lease, mortgage and convey the same. Action to recover a money judgment for unpaid common expenses shall be maintainable without foreclosing or waiving the lien securing the same. Where a mortgagee or a purchaser at a foreclosure sale obtains title to a unit, such acquirer of title, his heirs, successors and assigns, shall not be liable for the entire unpaid share of the common expenses or assessments by the association of unit owners chargeable to such unit which became due prior to the acquisition of title to such unit by such acquirer, but such expenses or assessments shall become common expenses collectible from all of the unit owners including such acquirer, his heirs, successors and assigns.   [PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §582. Voluntary conveyance

§582. Voluntary conveyance
In a voluntary conveyance the grantee of a unit shall be jointly and severally liable with the grantor for all unpaid assessments against the latter for his share of the common expenses up to the time of the grant or conveyance, without prejudice to the grantee's right to recover from the grantor the amounts paid by the grantee therefor. Any such grantee shall be entitled to a statement from the manager or board of directors, setting forth the amount of such unpaid assessments against the grantor, and such grantee shall not be liable for, nor shall the unit conveyed be subject to a lien for, any unpaid assessments against the grantor in excess of the amount therein set forth.   [PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §583. Insurance

§583. Insurance
The manager or board of directors shall, to the extent required by the declaration, bylaws or direction of a majority of the unit owners, insure the building against loss or damage by fire and other hazards, without prejudice to the right of each unit owner to insure his own unit for his own benefit. Such insurance coverage shall be written on the property in the name of such manager or the board of directors of the association of unit owners, as trustee for each of the unit owners in the percentages established in the declaration. Premiums shall be common expenses.   [PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §584. Repair and reconstruction

§584. Repair and reconstruction
Except as otherwise provided, damage to or destruction of the building shall be promptly repaired and restored by the manager or board of directors, using the proceeds of insurance, if any, on the building for that purpose and the unit owners shall be liable for assessment for any deficiency, provided if there is substantially total destruction of the property and 3/4 of the unit owners vote not to proceed with repair or restoration, the property remaining shall be deemed to be owned in common by the unit owners, and each unit owner shall own that percentage of the undivided interest in common as he previously owned in the common areas and facilities. Any liens affecting any of the units shall be deemed to be transferred in accordance with the existing priorities to the percentage of the undivided interest of the unit owner in the property; and the property shall be subject to an action for partition at the action of any unit owner, in which event the net proceeds of sale, together with the net proceeds of the insurance on the property, if any, shall be considered as one fund and shall be divided among all the unit owners in accordance with their interests therein, after first paying all liens out of each of the respective interests.   [PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §585. Actions

§585. Actions
Without limiting the rights of any unit owner, actions may be brought by the manager or board of directors, in either case in the discretion of the board of directors, on behalf of 2 or more of the unit owners, with respect to any cause of action relating to the common areas and facilities, or more than one unit. Service of process on 2 or more unit owners in any action relating to the common areas and facilities, or more than one unit, may be made on the person designated in the declaration to receive service of process.   [PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §586. Users subject to land

§586. Users subject to land
All unit owners, tenants of such owners, employees of owners and tenants, or any other persons who may in any manner use property or any part thereof submitted to the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to this chapter and to the declaration and bylaws of the association of unit owners.   [PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
All agreements, decisions and determinations lawfully made by the association of unit owners in accordance with the voting percentages established in this chapter, declaration or bylaws, shall be binding on all unit owners.   [PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §587. Loans

§587. Loans
Savings banks, trust and banking companies and savings and loan associations may make loans under this chapter to individuals or corporations to be secured by a first mortgage of a unit together with its undivided interest in the common areas and facilities, owned under the provisions of this chapter, to the extent that each of them may make loans secured by real estate mortgages, and subject to the applicable conditions and limitations imposed by law.   [PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 357 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1: UNIT OWNERSHIP › 33 §588. Time shares (REPEALED)

§588. Time shares
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1979, c. 484 (NEW). PL 1983, c. 248, §2 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 10: UNIT OWNERSHIP › Subchapter 1-A: MEMBERSHIP CAMPING › 33 §589-C. Violation

§589-C. Violation
1.  Violation.
Any violation of this subchapter is a violation of Title 5, chapter 10.
[PL 2013, c. 424, Pt. F, §1 (AMD).]
2.  Intentional violation.
Any intentional violation of this subchapter is a Class E crime.
[RR 1993, c. 1, §102 (COR).]
3.  Subsequent violations.
Any violation of this subchapter constitutes a civil violation for which a forfeiture not to exceed $100 may be adjudged in the case of a first violation and a forfeiture not to exceed $500 may be adjudged in the case of 2nd and subsequent violations.
[RR 1993, c. 1, §102 (COR).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 390 (NEW). RR 1993, c. 1, §102 (COR). PL 2013, c. 424, Pt. F, §1 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 1: PERSONNEL OF OFFICE › 33 §601. Election of register; vacancies

§601. Election of register; vacancies
A register of deeds shall be elected for each county and in each registry district by the legally qualified voters thereof, who shall serve for a term of 4 years.   [PL 1975, c. 445, §1 (RPR).]
Vacancies caused by death, resignation, removal from the county, permanent incapacity as defined in Title 30‑A, section 1, subsection 2‑A or any other reason must be filled for the unexpired term by election as provided for in section 602 at the next general election, as defined in Title 21‑A, section 1, subsection 19, after their occurrence. In the meantime, the Governor may fill vacancies by appointment, and the person so appointed shall hold office until the first day of January next after the election. Until a vacancy is filled by appointment by the Governor, the deputy register serves as acting register as provided in section 605.   [PL 1995, c. 683, §8 (AMD).]
In the case of a vacancy in the term of a register of deeds who was nominated by primary election before the general election, the register of deeds appointed by the Governor must be enrolled in the same political party as the register of deeds whose term is vacant. In making the appointment, the Governor shall choose from any recommendations submitted by the county committee of the political party from which the appointment is to be made.   [PL 1995, c. 245, §7 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1971, c. 230, §1 (AMD). PL 1975, c. 445, §1 (RPR). PL 1975, c. 771, §374 (AMD). PL 1981, c. 698, §166 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 502, §B40 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 245, §7 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 683, §8 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 1: PERSONNEL OF OFFICE › 33 §602. Examination of lists by Governor; certificates; tenure

§602. Examination of lists by Governor; certificates; tenure
The meetings for such election shall be notified, held and regulated and the votes received, sorted, counted, declared and recorded in the same manner as votes for Representatives, and fair copies of the lists of votes shall be attested by the municipal officers and clerks of towns and sealed up in open town meeting, and town clerks shall cause them to be delivered into the office of the Secretary of State. The Governor shall open and examine the same and the list of votes of citizens in the military service returned to said office. He has the same power to correct errors as is conferred by Title 21‑A. He shall forthwith issue certificates of election to such persons as have a plurality of all the votes for each county or registry district. The person thus elected and giving the bond required in section 603 approved by the county commissioners shall hold his office for 4 years from the first day of the next January and until another is chosen and qualified.   [PL 1985, c. 614, §28 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1975, c. 771, §375 (AMD). PL 1985, c. 614, §28 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 1: PERSONNEL OF OFFICE › 33 §604. Salaries

§604. Salaries
Registers of deeds in the several counties shall receive annual salaries as set forth in Title 30‑A, section 2.   [PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §§74, 106 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §8, 10 (AMD).]
The salaries of the registers of deeds shall be in full compensation for the performance of all official duties and no other fees or compensation shall be allowed them. All registers, except in the western district of Oxford County, shall devote their entire time to the duties of the office. They shall account monthly under oath to the county treasurers for all fees received by them or payable to them by virtue of the office, specifying the items, and shall pay the whole amount of the same to the treasurers of their respective counties monthly by the 15th day of the following month. They may make abstracts and copies from the records and furnish the same to persons calling for them and may charge a reasonable fee for such service, but shall not give an opinion upon the title to real estate.   [PL 1981, c. 40, §6 (AMD).]
Registers shall photocopy each warranty or quitclaim deed received and send the copy to the assessors of the appropriate municipality within 30 days of recordation. They may charge a reasonable fee for such service.   [PL 1979, c. 710, §1 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1979, c. 710, §§1,2 (AMD). PL 1981, c. 40, §6 (AMD). PL 1987, c. 737, §§C74,C106 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 104, §§C8,C10 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 1: PERSONNEL OF OFFICE › 33 §605. Deputy; oath and duties

§605. Deputy; oath and duties
Each register shall appoint a deputy register of deeds subject to the requirements of Title 30‑A, section 501; the deputy register shall be sworn. He shall give bond to the county for the faithful discharge of his duties in such sum as the county commissioners order and with such sureties as they approve in writing thereon. The premium of the bond shall be met by the county. The deputy register shall receive an annual salary as established by the register and approved by the county commissioners. In case of sickness, absence or any temporary disability of the register, such deputy shall make and sign for him all certificates and make all entries and minutes required to be signed or made by the register. Such certificates, entries and minutes shall be as valid as if made by the register.   [PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §§75, 106 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §8, 10 (AMD).]
In case of vacancy in the office of register, in any county or registry district, the deputy register then holding such office pursuant to this section shall assume the title of acting register, be sworn as such by a dedimus justice and thereafter perform all duties and services required of a register of deeds during such vacancy, complete all unfinished business, receive the same compensation and be subject to the same liabilities as a register of deeds and his certificate shall have the same effect as if made by the register.   [PL 1975, c. 445, §2 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1975, c. 445, §2 (AMD). PL 1977, c. 67, §9 (AMD). PL 1981, c. 279, §20 (AMD). PL 1981, c. 394, §8 (AMD). PL 1981, c. 698, §167 (AMD). PL 1987, c. 737, §§C75,C106 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 104, §§C8,C10 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 1: PERSONNEL OF OFFICE › 33 §606. Clerk of courts as register (REPEALED)

§606. Clerk of courts as register
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1971, c. 230, §2 (RPR). PL 1975, c. 445, §3 (RPR). PL 1981, c. 279, §21 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 1: PERSONNEL OF OFFICE › 33 §608. Removal of register for misconduct or incapacity

§608. Removal of register for misconduct or incapacity
When on presentment of the grand jury or information of the Attorney General to the Superior Court, any register of deeds, by default, confession, demurrer or verdict, after due notice, is found guilty of misconduct in his office or incapable of discharging its duties, the court shall enter judgment for his removal from office and issue a writ to the sheriff to take possession of all the books and papers belonging thereto and deliver them to the register of deeds.   [PL 1981, c. 698, §169 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1981, c. 698, §169 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 1: PERSONNEL OF OFFICE › 33 §609. Successors may complete records and grant certificates

§609. Successors may complete records and grant certificates
The newly appointed or elected register or any successor within 5 years after the original vacancy occurred shall complete, compare and certify any unfinished record or certificate required by law and make all requisite certificates upon deeds and other papers recorded, which the removed predecessor should have done if such records and certificates had been completed by the predecessor, which certificates shall be as effectual in law as if made by the predecessor; for doing this, the minutes made by the predecessor upon such deeds or other papers and the entries made by the predecessor in the books required to be kept for such purposes shall be sufficient authority. If payment for such services has been made to the predecessor, the newly appointed or elected register or any successor shall be paid for them out of the county treasury, and the former register and the former register's sureties shall refund such payments to the county treasury, to be recovered by a civil action upon the former register's official bond.   [PL 1981, c. 502, Pt. B, §41 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1989, c. 502, §B41 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 1: PERSONNEL OF OFFICE › 33 §610. Certificates, conditions and requisites of

§610. Certificates, conditions and requisites of
No such certificate shall be made, except upon comparison of the original instrument with the record thereof, by the register making the certificate, and such certificate shall state the date when it was made, the fact of comparison and the date when the original instrument was left for record, but shall be only prima facie evidence of the last fact.
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 1: PERSONNEL OF OFFICE › 33 §611. Recording officer not to draft or aid in drafting recorded instrument

§611. Recording officer not to draft or aid in drafting recorded instrument
No city, town, county or state officer whose duty is to record conveyances of any kind, assignments, certificates or other documents or papers whatsoever shall draft or aid in drafting any conveyance, assignment, certificate or other document or paper which he is by law required to record, in full or in part, under a penalty of not more than $100, to be recovered by any complainant by a civil action for his benefit or by indictment for the benefit of the county.
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 2: RECORDS AND RECORDING › 33 §651. Records; index

§651. Records; index
The records and indexes in each registry office must be made and kept for public inspection on at least one of the following media: white, acid-free paper, microfilm, microfiche, or digital image stored on magnetic or optical media. The register shall make an alphabetical index to the records without charge to the county so that the same surnames are recorded together and shall show in addition to the names of the parties and the nature of the instrument, the date of the instrument, the date of its record and the name of the city, town or unincorporated place where the land conveyed is situated. As often as every 10 years the register shall revise and consolidate the index in such manner that all deeds recorded since the last revision of the index are indexed so that the same surnames appear together and all names are in alphabetical order. The revised and consolidated index must contain all data as to each and every deed or other instrument referred to in this section. If it becomes necessary to revise, renew or replace any index, the new index must be made in conformity with this section.   [PL 2003, c. 55, §1 (RPR).]
When the register of deeds is required by law or common practice to make a note in the margin of a record, it is determined sufficient if the note is made to the index in such a fashion that the note becomes a permanent part of the indexing of the record to which the marginal note is required to be made.   [PL 2003, c. 55, §1 (NEW).]
The register shall prepare, or have prepared, a microfilm record of each page of every instrument, plan or other document recorded in the registry office. The microfilm record made must be stored in a fireproof area. When original record books or plans are considered by the register to be in a condition that warrants withdrawal from regular use, the register may make a true copy of the contents of the record or may provide suitable means for reading the microfilm, microfiche or digital image stored on magnetic or optical media of the instruments withdrawn. The records and certified copies made either from the true copy or from images stored as provided in this section must be received in all courts of law with the same legal effect as those contained in the original.   [PL 2003, c. 55, §1 (RPR).]
Notwithstanding Title 1, section 408‑A, this chapter governs fees for copying records maintained under this chapter.   [PL 2011, c. 662, §21 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 215 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 55, §1 (RPR). PL 2009, c. 575, §1 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 662, §21 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 2: RECORDS AND RECORDING › 33 §651-A. Grantor, grantee names; form of indexing

§651-A. Grantor, grantee names; form of indexing
No instrument executed on or after October 1, 1983, may be accepted by a register of deeds for recording unless beneath the signature of the grantor, grantee, if it appears on the instrument, and the person taking the acknowledgement, the name of each signer is typed or printed. Names used for indexing must be indexed as typed or printed under each signature. A name may be typed or printed under a signature at the registry of deeds by the person bringing the instrument to the registry, as long as the name is typed or printed on the instrument prior to the certification on the instrument under section 653 of the time when the instrument was received. The register of deeds may return documents that are not legible for recording and archival purposes.   [PL 1993, c. 230, §1 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1983, c. 57 (NEW). PL 1983, c. 530, §8 (AMD). PL 1993, c. 230, §1 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 2: RECORDS AND RECORDING › 33 §651-B. Privacy protection

§651-B. Privacy protection
1.  Definitions.
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Personal information" means an individual's first name or first initial and last name in combination with any one or more of the data elements described in this paragraph:
(1) Social security number;
(2) Driver's license number or state identification card number;
(3) Account number, credit card number or debit card number if circumstances exist such that the number could be used without additional identifying information, access codes or passwords;
(4) Account passwords or personal identification numbers or other access codes; or
(5) Any of the data elements contained in subparagraphs (1) to (4) when not in connection with the individual's first name, or first initial, and last name if the information included would be sufficient to permit a person to fraudulently assume or attempt to assume the identity of the person whose information was included.   [PL 2007, c. 626, §1 (NEW).]
[PL 2007, c. 626, §1 (NEW).]
2.  Personal information on registry's website.
If a document that includes an individual's personal information is recorded with a register of deeds and is available on the registry's publicly accessible website, the individual may request that the register of deeds redact that personal information from the record available on the website. The register shall establish a procedure by which individuals make such requests at no fee to the requesting individual. The register shall comply with an individual's request to redact personal information.
[PL 2007, c. 626, §1 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2007, c. 626, §1 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 2: RECORDS AND RECORDING › 33 §652. Recording plans

§652. Recording plans
The county commissioners shall provide, at the expense of the several counties, suitable storage for plans with a minimum size of 11 by 17 and a maximum of 24 by 36 inches in dimension, for the preservation of such plans.   [PL 2019, c. 439, §1 (AMD).]
A plan may not be accepted for recording unless all of the following criteria are met. The plan must:   [PL 2019, c. 439, §1 (AMD).]
1.  Materials.
For a plan dated before January 1, 2020, be drawn upon strong linen cloth or polyester film with archival photographic image or white 20-pound paper. For a plan dated on or after January 1, 2020, the plan must be submitted on white paper with a minimum weight of 20 pounds;
[PL 2019, c. 439, §1 (AMD).]
2.  Seals.
Be embossed, sealed or both, with the seal of an architect, professional engineer or professional land surveyor;
[PL 2019, c. 439, §1 (AMD).]
3.  Signature.
Contain the signature and address of the person who prepared the plan;
[PL 1991, c. 497, §1 (NEW).]
4.  Recording information.
Provide a register's block no smaller than 3 by 3 inches for recording the county, date, time, plan book and page or file number and register's attest; and
[PL 2019, c. 439, §1 (AMD).]
5.  Title.
Provide a title block containing the name of the plan, the record owner's name and address, the location by street and town and the date of the plan.
[PL 1991, c. 497, §1 (NEW).]
Paper plans submitted for recording must be rolled and not folded. The register may return plans that are not legible for recording and archival purposes and the processing of which may damage county equipment or resources. The register shall permanently file the original, create a digital image of the plan at a minimum of 300 dots per inch or 300 pixels per inch and maintain a copy for public inspection in paper or digital image form. Each plan must be microfilmed for archival purposes. Each register shall maintain an index of all plans on record in the register's office.   [PL 2019, c. 439, §1 (AMD).]
The several registers shall establish, and thereafter adhere to, reasonable standards for the implementation of reproducing copies of original plans as recorded. Reproduction must be on a scale of one to one and must be accomplished with the least possible error and distortion. Methods of reproduction must be to standards in keeping with accepted engineering and survey practices.   [PL 1991, c. 497, §1 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1971, c. 448 (AMD). PL 1973, c. 485 (AMD). PL 1991, c. 497, §1 (RPR). PL 2001, c. 667, §C18 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 55, §2 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 439, §1 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 2: RECORDS AND RECORDING › 33 §653. Time of recording; verification

§653. Time of recording; verification
A register shall, at the time of receiving a deed or instrument for record, certify on the deed or instrument the day and the hour and minute when it was received and the book number and page number where the document is located. If the deed or instrument does not have sufficient room on the page or pages for the location of the recording information so that the register is required to add an additional page for the placement of the recording information, the register may charge in addition to any other fees allowed by law a fee of $2 for each page the register is required to add. An instrument is considered recorded at the time when it was received and that time must be entered on the record. The register shall enter that time, the names of the grantor and grantee and the name of the town or unincorporated place as shown by the instrument in which the property affected is located in a record kept for that purpose and open to inspection in business hours. The register may not permit a deed or instrument for the conveyance of real estate to be altered, amended or withdrawn until it is fully recorded and examined. The record must be verified as a true record of the original document by comparing the indexing record and the copy kept for public inspection, as described in section 651, to the original document before the original document is allowed to leave the registry office.   [PL 2003, c. 55, §3 (RPR).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1983, c. 15 (RPR). PL 2003, c. 55, §3 (RPR).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 2: RECORDS AND RECORDING › 33 §654. Miscellaneous records

§654. Miscellaneous records
Registers shall receive and record all certificates in equitable proceedings, copies of judgments and decrees certified by the clerk of courts in the county where the complaint is pending or the judgment or decree is rendered, certified copies of the proceedings of any court, corporation, municipal body or other tribunal through or by which the right of eminent domain has been or may be exercised to affect the title to real estate, copies of portions of wills devising real estate situated in their respective counties or districts, affidavits filed under Title 10, section 9094‑A, subsection 3‑C and all other instruments that they are by law required to record. They shall receive all copies of seizures on execution and special attachments made and attested by any officer of real property situate in their respective counties or districts and certify on them the time when they are received, and certificates of advertised stallions and copies of processes against domestic corporations filed for service by officers in the registry, keep them on file for the inspection of parties interested and enter them in suitable records properly indexed.   [PL 2023, c. 378, §8 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2003, c. 55, §4 (AMD). PL 2023, c. 378, §8 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 2: RECORDS AND RECORDING › 33 §654-A. Certain county records of deeds to be copied; legal effect (REPEALED)

§654-A. Certain county records of deeds to be copied; legal effect
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 425, §20A (NEW). PL 2003, c. 55, §5 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 2: RECORDS AND RECORDING › 33 §655. Town records to State Archivist for safekeeping

§655. Town records to State Archivist for safekeeping
All persons, other than registers of deeds, having possession of or owning the records of the original proprietors of any town or plantation in this State, may deliver the same to the State Archivist for preservation and safekeeping.   [PL 1973, c. 28, §14 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 441, §6 (AMD). PL 1969, c. 318, §14 (AMD). PL 1973, c. 28, §14 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 2: RECORDS AND RECORDING › 33 §656. Owner of original records reimbursed for safekeeping (REPEALED)

§656. Owner of original records reimbursed for safekeeping
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1965, c. 441, §7 (AMD). PL 1969, c. 318, §15 (AMD). PL 1973, c. 28, §15 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 33: PROPERTY › Chapter 11: REGISTER OF DEEDS › Subchapter 2: RECORDS AND RECORDING › 33 §657. Filing of subdivision plats; penalty

§657. Filing of subdivision plats; penalty
Whoever lots or causes to be lotted for the purpose of sale any tract of land shall, before making any deed of such land or any part thereof, file with the register of deeds for the county or registry district wherein such land is situated an accurate plan of such property, which plan shall give such courses, angles and distances as will be sufficient to enable a skillful surveyor to locate any lot shown thereby. If such party, after request by any interested party or by the register of deeds, fails to comply with this section, he shall be liable to a penalty of not more than $50, to be recovered in a civil action in the name of the register of deeds for the benefit of the county.