diff --git a/backend/server.js b/backend/server.js
index 02074d351..be6e0f580 100644
--- a/backend/server.js
+++ b/backend/server.js
@@ -20,6 +20,14 @@ app.use(cors());
 
 app.set("trust proxy", 1);
 
+app.use((req, res, next) => {
+  if (process.env.MAINTENANCE === "true") {
+    res.status(503).json({ message: "Site is down for maintenance" });
+  } else {
+    next();
+  }
+});
+
 const userRouter = require("./api/routes/user");
 app.use("/user", userRouter);
 const configRouter = require("./api/routes/config");