Maine

Maine Landlord Tenant Key Rules

Official Maine Forms:

 

Security Deposit

TOPIC	RULE
Security Deposit Maximum:	2x monthly rent Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6032
Security Deposit Interest:	No statute
Separate Security Deposit Bank Account:	Yes Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6038
Non-refundable fees:	No statute
Pet Deposits and Additional Fees:	No statute
Deadline for Returning Security Deposit:	30 days with a written lease agreement. 21 days for a tenancy at will. Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6033(2)(A)(B)
Permitted Uses of the Deposit:	Storing and disposing of unclaimed property, and nonpayment of rent and utilities. Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6033(2)(B)
Security Deposit can be Withheld:	Yes Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6033(2)
Require Written Description/Itemized List of Damages and Charges:	Yes Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6033(2)(B)
Receipt of Security Deposit:	If received in cash, yes. Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6022
Record Keeping of Deposit Withholdings:	No statute
Failure to Comply:	If landlord fails to notify the tenant of intent to retain security deposit or to return the deposit in general they forfeit the option to withhold any of it. Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6033(3)

Lease, Rent & Fees:

TOPIC	RULE
Rent is Due:	No statute. Generally at the beginning of the month or term of lease
Payment Methods:	No statute
Rent Increase Notice:	45-day notice required. If the rent increase is greater than 10%, a 75-day notice is required. Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6015
Late Fees:	A maximum fee of 4% of the monthly rent is allowed as long as it’s stated on the rental agreement. Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6028
Application Fees:	The landlord cannot charge a flat application fee. Instead, he can ask the tenant to pay for either a background check, credit check, or any other screening process. Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6030-H
Prepaid Rent:	No statute
Returned Check Fees:	The check holder may be compensated for the amount of the check, court costs, processing fees, and 12% interest per annum. Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6071
Tenant Allowed to Withhold Rent for Failure to Provide Essential Services (Water, Heat, etc.):	No statute
Tenant Allowed to Repair and Deduct Rent:	Yes Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6026(2)
Self-Help Evictions:	Not allowed Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6014
Landlord Allowed to Recover Court and Attorney’s Fees:	No statute
Landlord Must Make a Reasonable Attempt to Mitigate Damages to Lessee, including an Attempt to Re-rent:	Yes Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6010-A(4)

Notices and Entry:

TOPIC	RULE
Notice to Terminate Tenancy:	30-day notice required Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6002
Notice to Terminate a Periodic Lease – Week-to-week:	30-day notice required Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6002
Notice to Terminate a Periodic Lease – Month-to-Month:	30-day notice required Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6002
Notice to Terminate Lease due to Sale of Property:	No specific statute. In general 30-day notice is required. Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6002
Notice of date/time of Move-Out Inspection:	No statute
Notice of Termination for Nonpayment:	7-day notice required Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6002(c)
Notice for Lease Violation:	7-day notice required Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6002(c)
Required Notice before Entry:	Yes. 24-hour notice required Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6025(2)
Entry Allowed with Notice for Maintenance and Repairs:	Yes Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6025(2)
Emergency Entry Allowed without Notice:	Yes Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6025(2)
Entry Allowed During Tenant’s Extended Absence:	No statute. Generally it is allowed
Entry Allowed with Notice for Showing the Property:	Yes Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6025(2)
Notice to Tenants for Pesticide Use:	No statute
Lockouts Allowed:	No Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6014
Utility Shut-offs Allowed:	No Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6014
Electronic Notices Allowed:	No statute

Disclosures

• Name and Addresses: Landlord must disclose contact information. (14 M.R.S. § 6021)
• Copy of the Lease: Must provide copy upon execution. (14 M.R.S. § 6002)
• Domestic Violence Situations: Victims may terminate lease early or request lock changes. (14 M.R.S. § 6001(6))

Duties

Landlord’s Duties

• Compliance: Must comply with building codes. (14 M.R.S. § 6021)
• Repairs: Keep the premises in a safe and habitable condition. (14 M.R.S. § 6021)
• Common Areas: Maintain common areas. (14 M.R.S. § 6021)
• Maintenance: Maintain all supplied systems. (14 M.R.S. § 6021)
• Garbage: Provide for garbage removal. (14 M.R.S. § 6021)

Tenant’s Duties

• Cleanliness: Keep unit clean and safe. (14 M.R.S. § 6026)
• Trash: Dispose of waste properly. (14 M.R.S. § 6026)
• Plumbing: Keep fixtures clean. (14 M.R.S. § 6026)
• Appliances: Use reasonably. (14 M.R.S. § 6026)
• Damage: Do not damage the unit. (14 M.R.S. § 6026)
• Quiet Enjoyment: Respect neighbors’ peace. (14 M.R.S. § 6026)
• Subleasing: Allowed only with landlord’s consent. (Customary)
• Retaliation: Prohibited (14 M.R.S. § 6001(3))
• Lead Disclosure: Required under federal law.