Maine Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Maine requires landlords to give tenants radon test results and a bedbug disclosure before a lease is signed, and caps late fees at 4% of monthly rent — chargeable only once rent is 15 days late (14 M.R.S. § 6028). A rent increase needs 45 days’ written notice.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Maine?
A Maine landlord has 30 days to return the deposit under a written lease, or 21 days for a tenancy at will, with an itemized statement.
| Maximum Deposit | Two months’ rent |
| Return Deadline | 30 days (written lease); 21 days (tenancy at will) |
| Interest Required | No, but the deposit must be held in a separate account |
| Itemized Statement | Required |
| Statute Reference | 14 M.R.S. §§ 6032, 6033, 6038 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Maine?
Maine has no statewide rent cap, but a landlord must give 45 days’ written notice of an increase; Portland adds its own rent stabilization rules.
| Grace Period | 15 days before a late fee applies |
| Late Fee Limit | 4% of monthly rent |
| Rent Control Status | Local option (Portland) |
| Rent Increase Notice | 45 days |
| Statute Reference | 14 M.R.S. §§ 6015, 6028 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Maine
A Maine eviction for rent 7 days or more overdue starts with a 7-day notice to quit; a tenancy at will otherwise ends with 30 days’ notice.
| Non-Payment Notice | 7 days |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 30 days (tenancy at will) |
| Illegal Activity | 7 days for serious damage or nuisance |
| Statute Reference | 14 M.R.S. § 6002 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Maine?
No. Maine requires at least 24 hours’ notice before a landlord enters, except in an emergency.
| Notice Required | 24 hours |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed without notice |
| Permitted Reasons | Inspect, repairs, show the unit |
| Statute Reference | 14 M.R.S. § 6025 |
What Must a Maine Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Radon test results and radon hazard disclosure (14 M.R.S. § 6030-D)
- Bedbug disclosure for the unit and adjacent units (14 M.R.S. § 6021-A)
- Residential energy efficiency disclosure statement
- Smoking policy for the property
- Shared utility arrangements (14 M.R.S. § 6024)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Maine?
Maine’s warranty of fitness for human habitation requires working heat, water and sanitation; tenants can repair and deduct up to $500 or half a month’s rent.
What Maine landlords must maintain
- • Keep the unit fit for human habitation (14 M.R.S. § 6021)
- • Maintain heat, running water, sanitary facilities and weathertight structure
What a Maine tenant can do
- • Repair and deduct after notice (limit below)
- • Court action for rent abatement under the warranty of habitability
| Repair & Deduct | Up to $500 or half a month’s rent, whichever is greater |
| Statute Reference | 14 M.R.S. §§ 6021, 6026 |