Landlord tools · Maine

Maine residential lease agreement.

Everything a Maine lease must get right in 2026 — deposit limits, late fees, notice periods, and required disclosures — plus a free builder that applies each rule for you and outputs a signable PDF.

2 monthsSecurity deposit cap

30 daysDeposit return deadline

24 hrsEntry notice required

30 daysTo end month-to-month

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Security deposits in Maine

Maine caps security deposits at 2 months of rent. Max 2 months' rent After the tenancy ends, the deposit must be returned within 30 days. Written lease: max 30 days; tenancy at will: 21 days; itemized if withheld Returning one now? Use the free Maine deposit return letter generator — it computes the deadline and itemizes deductions for you.

Late fees and grace periods

Maine limits late fees: 4% of monthly rent. Rent must be at least 15 day(s) late before a fee can be charged. Fee only after rent 15 days late; must be disclosed in written lease.

Landlord entry and notices

Landlords must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering, except in emergencies. Reasonable notice, at least 24 hours. Ending a month-to-month tenancy takes 30 days' written notice (Tenancy at will: minimum 30 days' written notice). Rent increases require 45 days' advance notice (45 days' written notice; 75 days if increase is 10% or more). Planning an increase? The free Maine rent increase notice generator applies the notice period automatically.

Required disclosures in a Maine lease

Lead-based paint (federal). EPA/HUD pamphlet and disclosure required (Required when: pre-1978 housing.)
Radon test disclosure. Landlord must test for radon (every 10 years) and disclose results to tenants (Always required.)
Bedbug disclosure. Must disclose known/suspected infestation, including adjacent units under treatment (Always required.)
Energy efficiency disclosure. Energy efficiency disclosure form before lease signing or deposit (Always required.)
Smoking policy disclosure. Written notice of smoking policy for premises (Always required.)
Common-area electricity. Tenant may not pay common-area electricity without written agreement (Required when: if applicable.)

Clauses you can’t put in a Maine lease

Waiver of implied warranty of habitability
Retaliation
Lockouts and willful utility shutoff

Utilities and pets

Utilities: Tenant can't be charged for utilities outside their unit (e.g., common areas) without express written agreement. Pets: Pet deposits count toward the 2-month total deposit cap; no fees allowed for service animals.

Frequently asked questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maine?

Maine caps security deposits at 2 months of rent. Max 2 months' rent

How long does a Maine landlord have to return the deposit?

30 days after the tenancy ends. Written lease: max 30 days; tenancy at will: 21 days; itemized if withheld

Are late fees limited in Maine?

Yes — 4% of monthly rent. Fee only after rent 15 days late; must be disclosed in written lease A 15-day grace period is required before charging a fee.

How much notice before a landlord can enter the unit in Maine?

At least 24 hours, except in emergencies. Reasonable notice, at least 24 hours

Does Maine have rent control?

No statewide rent control. No statewide rent control; municipalities may adopt local ordinances (e.g., Portland)

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Key statutes: 14 M.R.S. §§ 6031-6038 · § 6002 · § 6015 · § 6025 · § 6028 · § 6030-D. Last reviewed 2026-07. This guide summarizes state law for convenience and is not legal advice; cities and counties may add their own rules.