Maine Landlord-Tenant Law
The rules for renting in Maine — security deposits, eviction, ending a lease, repairs and rent — with the statute or official page behind every answer.
Quick answers for Maine
- Security deposit limit
- 2 months' rent 14 M.R.S. § 6032
- Deposit return deadline
- Written rental agreement: within the time stated in the agreement, which may not exceed 30 days. Tenancy at will: 21 days after termination or surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever is later. 14 M.R.S. § 6033(2)
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 7-day written notice to quit (tenancy at will) when rent is 7 or more days in arrears. Paying the full rent due before the notice expires voids it. After expiration, paying all arrears, rent due to date, and the landlord's filing and service fees before the writ of possession issues reinstates the tenancy. 14 M.R.S. § 6002(1)(C), (1), (2)
- Ending a month-to-month lease
- 30 days' written notice by either landlord or tenant (tenancy at will); no cause required. If rent has been paid through a date beyond the 30 days, the notice must expire on or after that date. 14 M.R.S. § 6002(1)
- Landlord entry notice
- Reasonable notice at reasonable times; 24 hours' notice is presumed reasonable. No notice needed in an emergency or where impracticable. Tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry for inspections, repairs, improvements, or showings. 14 M.R.S. § 6025
- Rent control / increase limits
- No statewide cap on rent amounts. State law regulates increases by notice: at least 45 days' written notice of any rent or mandatory recurring fee increase, and 75 days' notice if the increase (or several increases within 12 months) totals 10% or more. Rent may not be increased while the unit violates the warranty of habitability. State law does not preempt local rent control, and Portland has a local rent control ordinance. 14 M.R.S. §§ 6015, 6016
Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23
Security Deposits in Maine
| Security deposit limit | 2 months' rent Separately, 14 M.R.S. § 6022-A (enacted PL 2023, c. 594) caps the total initial amount a landlord may require at move-in to first full month's rent + security deposit (as limited by § 6032) + any properly disclosed mandatory recurring fee (https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6022-A.html). Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6032 |
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| Deposit return deadline | Written rental agreement: within the time stated in the agreement, which may not exceed 30 days. Tenancy at will: 21 days after termination or surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever is later. A landlord who misses the deadline or fails to give the written statement forfeits the right to withhold any part of the deposit (§ 6033(3)). Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6033(2) |
| Itemized deductions | If any part is withheld, the landlord must give a written statement itemizing the reasons for retention and return the balance within the § 6033 deadline. Normal wear and tear may not be deducted. Mailing to the tenant's last known address satisfies the requirement. Permitted deductions listed include unpaid rent, unpaid utilities owed to the landlord, and storage/disposal of unclaimed property. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6033(1)-(2) |
| Interest on deposits | No statutory interest requirement Neither § 6032 nor § 6038 requires interest. § 6038 requires the deposit to be held in an account at a bank or other financial institution, not commingled with the landlord's assets, and protected from the landlord's creditors; on request the landlord must disclose the institution name and account number. Source: 14 M.R.S. §§ 6032, 6038 |
| Penalty for withholding | Twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs. Tenant must give the landlord at least 7 days' notice of intent to sue; if the deposit is not returned within those 7 days, wrongful retention is presumed. Landlord bears the burden of proving the withholding was not wrongful. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6034 |
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Eviction in Maine
| Notice for unpaid rent | 7-day written notice to quit (tenancy at will) when rent is 7 or more days in arrears. Paying the full rent due before the notice expires voids it. After expiration, paying all arrears, rent due to date, and the landlord's filing and service fees before the writ of possession issues reinstates the tenancy. The notice must state the amount 7+ days in arrears, include the statutory void/reinstatement statement, and advise the tenant of the right to contest in court. Per the Maine Judicial Branch, the Residential FED Information Sheet and Mediation Request (form CV-256) must be served with each residential notice to quit (https://courts.maine.gov/help/guides/fed-brochure-revised.pdf). If there is a lease, notice is served as required by the lease. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6002(1)(C), (1), (2) |
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| Notice for lease violations | Tenancy at will: 7-day written notice for specified causes - substantial unrepaired damage, nuisance/making the unit unfit/violation of law, domestic violence/sexual assault/stalking against another tenant, violence or threats against other tenants/guests/landlord, or an unauthorized occupant. The statutory cure/reinstatement right in § 6002 applies to the rent-arrears ground. For written leases, the lease terms govern; if a lease has no termination provision for material breach, § 6001(1-B) allows termination under § 6002 procedures. Landlord must prove the 7-day grounds by affirmative proof. A tenant may terminate with 7 days' written notice if the landlord substantially breaches the lease (§ 6001(1-B), https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6001.html). |
| Lockouts & utility shutoffs | Self-help eviction is illegal: a landlord may not willfully interrupt utilities (water, heat, electricity, gas, etc.), lock the tenant out, or seize the tenant's property except by judicial process. Remedy: actual damages or $250, whichever is greater, plus costs and reasonable attorney's fees. Temporary interruptions for actual repairs or emergencies are exempt. The AG advises tenants to call local law enforcement and notify the AG's office. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6014 |
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Notice to Vacate in Maine
| Ending a month-to-month lease | 30 days' written notice by either landlord or tenant (tenancy at will); no cause required. If rent has been paid through a date beyond the 30 days, the notice must expire on or after that date. A 30-day and 7-day notice may be combined. Waiver of the 30 days is valid only in writing at the time notice is given. Domestic violence/sexual assault/stalking victims may terminate on 7 days' notice (tenancy at will or lease under 1 year) or 30 days' notice (lease of 1 year or more) with documentation (§ 6002(4)). Section history on the official page shows no amendments after PL 2017, c. 103. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6002(1) |
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Landlord Entry in Maine
| Landlord entry notice | Reasonable notice at reasonable times; 24 hours' notice is presumed reasonable. No notice needed in an emergency or where impracticable. Tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry for inspections, repairs, improvements, or showings. Remedy for unlawful entry or repeated harassing demands for entry: actual damages or $250, whichever is greater, plus injunction; attorney's fees after a contested hearing. Tenant who changes locks must give landlord a key within 48 hours (72 hours for a victim). Amended PL 2023, c. 336 and PL 2025, c. 767. If a tenant changes the lock and refuses to give the landlord a key, the landlord may end the tenancy on 7 days' notice, and in an emergency may enter by any reasonable means (§ 6025(3)). An emergency involving an animal's welfare (§ 6025-A) permits entry without 24 hours' notice. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6025 |
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Repairs & Habitability in Maine
| Repair and deduct | Allowed for conditions that endanger or materially impair health or safety when the reasonable cost is less than the greater of $500 or 1/2 of the monthly rent. Tenant must give written notice of intent by certified mail (return receipt); landlord has 14 days to fix (or as promptly as conditions require in an emergency). Tenant then deducts the actual reasonable cost with an itemized statement. Not available if the tenant/guest caused the condition or landlord was unreasonably denied access. Does not apply to owner-occupied buildings with 5 or fewer units. Electrical, plumbing and oil-burner work must be done by a licensed professional; tenant cannot charge for own labor. Separately, if a landlord fails to pay a utility account in the landlord's name, the tenant may pay it and deduct from rent (§ 6024-A, https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6024-A.html). Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6026 |
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| Withholding rent | No statutory self-help rent withholding. Remedies for habitability breaches run through court: a tenant who was current on rent when giving written notice may sue under the warranty of habitability for injunction and rent abatement; a tenant sued for nonpayment may raise the landlord's habitability breach as a defense. The statute sets no fixed repair deadline (uses 'unreasonable delay' / 'prompt, effective steps' standards) and does not address escrow. Habitability defense in nonpayment cases: § 6002(3) (https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6002.html). § 6021 amended by PL 2025, c. 515 to add a mold/moisture breach (§ 6021(6-B)). |
| Retaliation protection | Rebuttable presumption of retaliation if the landlord files an eviction within 6 months after the tenant: asserted rights under §§ 6015, 6016, 6021, 6030-D, 6030-I or 6030-J; made a good-faith code complaint (or a code agency filed one); made a good-faith written complaint or repair request; filed a fair-housing complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission or HUD; notified the landlord of domestic violence/sexual assault/stalking victim status; or reported sexual harassment by the landlord. No writ of possession may issue unless the presumption is rebutted. The presumption does not apply to evictions based on § 6002(1) for-cause grounds or a lease violation (unless the tenant asserted § 6026 rights). Subsection 3 amended by PL 2023, c. 594. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6001(3) |
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Rent Increases & Late Fees in Maine
| Rent control / increase limits | No statewide cap on rent amounts. State law regulates increases by notice: at least 45 days' written notice of any rent or mandatory recurring fee increase, and 75 days' notice if the increase (or several increases within 12 months) totals 10% or more. Rent may not be increased while the unit violates the warranty of habitability. State law does not preempt local rent control, and Portland has a local rent control ordinance. § 6015 was repealed and replaced by PL 2023, c. 388 and amended by PL 2023, c. 594; the 75-day rule has exceptions for income-restricted/subsidized housing. Waivers are void. § 6016 habitability bar: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6016.html. Preemption: Maine municipalities have home-rule power to adopt any ordinance not denied to them expressly or by clear implication, and implied preemption applies only if the ordinance would frustrate the purpose of a state law (30-A M.R.S. § 3001: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/30-A/title30-Asec3001.html); no state statute bars municipal rent control. Portland (City Code ch. 6, Rent Control Ordinance, Secs. 6-231 to 6-239): covered units may get one increase per 12 months, limited to the Allowable Increase Percentage published each September 1 for the next calendar year (2.2% for 2026), plus 5% of base rent on a new tenancy after a voluntary move-out, banked rent, or a Rent Board-approved fair-return increase, and never more than 10% at once; 90 days' written notice of an increase. Exempt: units in owner-occupied 2–4 unit buildings, publicly subsidized units, ADUs, housing authority units, and certain institutional housing. City FAQ (version 2025.10.24): https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/014c1dbc-bccc-47b6-b323-490ffd8e2b5e Source: 14 M.R.S. §§ 6015, 6016 |
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| Late fees | Cap of 4% of one month's rent. Rent is not 'late' until 15 days after it is due. Landlord must give written notice of the possible late fee at the start of the rental agreement or no fee may be charged. Official section history shows no amendments after 1987. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6028 |
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Breaking a Lease in Maine
| Ending a lease: domestic violence | Applies to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, and to tenants sexually harassed by the landlord or the landlord's agent. Notice: 7 days' written notice for a tenancy at will or a lease shorter than one year; 30 days' written notice for a lease of one year or more. Documentation naming the perpetrator is required, such as a signed statement from an advocate, health care provider or law enforcement officer, a protection order or complaint, a police report, or a criminal complaint or conviction. Liability: the victim owes no rent after the later of the date the notice expires or the date the victim moves out. Prepaid rent for the current month need not be refunded. Also: a victim cannot be evicted for incidents of violence against them, and owes no more than the security deposit for damage caused by a perpetrator who is a tenant, if notice is given within 30 days. § 6001(6) says a victim 'is not liable for any unpaid rent under the victim's lease.' § 6002(4) limits liability to rent through the later of notice expiry or move-out. Display both carefully. § 6001: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6001.html |
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Squatters & Abandoned Property in Maine
| Squatters / unauthorized occupants | No special squatter-removal or affidavit statute. The owner uses the court process of forcible entry and detainer (FED), which may be brought against 'a disseisor who has not acquired any claim by possession and improvement.' For an occupant of a tenant's unit who is not an authorized occupant, the tenancy may be ended with a 7-day written notice (14 M.R.S. § 6002(1)(F)) and then an FED action. No self-help. There is no Maine statute giving a quick police removal on affidavit (unlike FL/GA/NY). Criminal trespass (17-A M.R.S. § 402) was not reviewed for this record. A search turned up no 2024-2026 Maine squatter bill that became law. Source: 14 M.R.S. §§ 6001(1), 6002(1)(F) |
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| Belongings left behind | Store the property in a safe, dry, secure place. Send written notice by first-class mail with proof of mailing to the tenant's last known address. The notice must include an itemized list of the items and say the landlord may dispose of them if the tenant does not respond within 7 days. If the tenant is still in possession after judgment, the claim period cannot be shorter than 7 days after mailing or 48 hours after the writ is served, whichever is longer. If the tenant claims the property within 7 days, it must be released without payment as long as the tenant retrieves it by day 14. Unclaimed property may be held until arrears and storage are paid, sold at fair market value (any surplus goes to the Treasurer of State), or thrown away if it has no value. The tenant may waive these rights after vacating; an oral waiver must be confirmed in writing. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6013 |
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Rental Fees in Maine
| Application / screening fees | Application fees and fees to review or approve an application are banned. The one exception: the landlord may charge the actual cost of only one of these: a background check, a credit check or another screening process. The landlord must first tell the applicant that the law requires giving them a complete copy of the information obtained, and must then provide that copy. No more than one screening fee per applicant in any 12-month period. No portable-screening-report statute was found. |
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| Other rental fees | Move-in cap: at the start of a tenancy the landlord, agent or broker may not require more than (1) the first full month's rent, (2) a security deposit within the § 6032 limit, and (3) any properly disclosed mandatory recurring fee. Before signing, the landlord must give a signed, plain-language written disclosure of total rent, mandatory recurring fees, optional recurring fees, utility costs and any other cost the tenant will pay. This is not required if the tenant pays no recurring fees. Optional recurring fees (for non-essential services or features) are allowed only with prior written notice that the tenant may opt in and stop paying at any time without penalty; a landlord may not deny or end a tenancy because the tenant opts out. Notice rules for raising rent or a mandatory recurring fee are in § 6015. § 6022-A: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6022-A.html; § 6030-I: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6030-I.html. A tenant who asserts rights under §§ 6030-I or 6030-J is covered by the retaliation presumption in § 6001(3). |
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Section 8, Records & Right to Counsel in Maine
| Section 8 / source of income | Yes. The Maine Human Rights Act makes it unlawful to refuse to rent to, or impose different tenancy terms on, someone who receives federal, state or local public assistance, including housing subsidies such as vouchers, primarily because they receive it. The statute says 'primarily because of the individual's status as recipient.' It covers public assistance only, not every lawful source of income. Source: 5 M.R.S. § 4581-A(4) |
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| Eviction record sealing | Partial: there is no sealing or expungement, but FED and small-claims court records become available to the public only at a courthouse, not online, in three cases: (1) the parties agree; (2) the case was dismissed or decided for the defendant; or (3) more than 3 years have passed since judgment. This applies automatically by statute. This limits remote access only. It does not seal records. |
| Right to a lawyer in eviction | No statewide right to counsel in eviction cases. By statute, the court must announce at the start of FED hearings if an attorney is available that day to represent tenants. The summons must include a court form that lists legal-help resources. Only Title 14 ch. 709 was checked for a right-to-counsel statute. Any program run only by court rule or by funding would not appear there. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6004(2)-(3) |
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Mold, Pests, Heat & AC in Maine
| Mold | Yes, by statute. It is a breach of the implied warranty of habitability for a landlord to offer for rent a unit with a leaking event (a water leak from flooding or a roof, window, door, plumbing, foundation or appliance failure), or chronic moisture or humidity outside the tenant's control, that results in the growth of mold, bacteria or other biological organisms. A tenant who gave written notice, is current on rent and did not cause the condition can sue; the court can order repairs, reduce rent to the unit's fair value, or let the tenant temporarily vacate without paying. Municipalities may adopt stricter standards. The mold subsection and the 'leaking event' definition are new (PL 2025, c. 515). There is no separate mold-disclosure requirement for tenants. The court may not award consequential damages under § 6021. |
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| Pests & bed bugs | Detailed bed bug statute. The landlord must inspect within 5 days after written or oral notice from a tenant, contact a licensed pest control agent within 10 days after confirming an infestation, and pay for treatment by an insured agent. Before renting, the landlord must disclose if an adjacent unit is infested or being treated, and on request must give the last date the unit or adjacent units were inspected and found free of bed bugs. A landlord may not rent a unit known or suspected to be infested. Tenants must promptly report suspected bed bugs, allow access on reasonable notice, and follow treatment measures. A tenant who unreasonably fails to cooperate pays for the resulting treatments. A noncompliant landlord owes the greater of $250 or actual damages, plus attorney fees. The landlord must offer reasonable help (repayable over up to 6 months) to tenants who can't do the required prep, but need not provide other lodging or replace belongings. Other pests fall under the general habitability warranty (14 M.R.S. § 6021). Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6021-A |
| Heat | When the lease obligates the landlord to provide heat, the heating system must be able to keep at least 68°F (measured 3 feet from exterior walls and 5 feet above the floor, at an outside temperature of -20°F). The landlord must not keep it so cold that it is injurious to health and must keep pipes and systems from freezing. Falling short breaches the warranty of habitability. A landlord and tenant can agree in a separate signed writing to a lower setting, but not below 62°F, with a fair rent reduction. The agreement is revocable and not allowed if anyone over 65 or under 5 lives there. No statewide heating season is set. Municipalities may adopt stricter heat standards; less strict local rules are invalid. Separate rules cover landlord-paid utilities and common-area heat (14 M.R.S. §§ 6024, 6024-A). Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6021(6), (6-A) |
| Air conditioning | No statute — Maine law does not require landlords to provide air conditioning or set a maximum indoor temperature. If the lease includes AC, the landlord must keep that promise. Local housing codes may contain additional standards. |
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Privacy, Guests & Animals in Maine
| Cameras & privacy | No landlord-specific statute. Under the general privacy crime, it is a Class D crime to install or use a device to observe, photograph or record in a 'private place' (such as a bathroom or bedroom) without the consent of those entitled to privacy there. Using a device outside a private place to capture images or sounds from inside that would not normally be visible or audible is also a crime. Intercepting oral or wire communications is a Class C crime unless the person recording is the sender or receiver of the communication. Cameras in common areas aren't specifically regulated. § 710: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/15/title15sec710.html. § 709 definition of 'intercept': https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/15/title15sec709.html. Landlord entry rules (24 hours' notice) are in 14 M.R.S. § 6025. |
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| Guests & occupants | No statute — the lease governs guests, occupancy limits and roommates. Maine's landlord-tenant chapters don't address guest stays or roommate additions. Fair housing law bars discrimination against families with children. Occupancy limits may come from local housing or building codes. |
| Service & support animals (state law) | Under the Maine Human Rights Act, refusing to allow an assistance animal for a person with a physical or mental disability is unlawful housing discrimination. The only exceptions are if the animal poses a direct threat, would cause substantial property damage, or would substantially interfere with others' enjoyment. The landlord cannot charge a fee or deposit for an assistance animal, but the tenant is liable for damage it causes. Knowingly misrepresenting an animal as a service or assistance animal, including creating or supplying false documents, is a civil violation with a fine of up to $1,000 per occurrence. Landlords are generally not civilly liable for injuries or damage involving a tenant's assistance animal, except for gross negligence, recklessness or intentional misconduct. § 1314-A: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17/title17sec1314-A.html. § 6030-G: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6030-G.html. No state statute sets specific documentation rules; federal Fair Housing Act guidance on reliable disability documentation also applies. |
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How eviction works in Maine
Eviction cases are heard in: Maine District Court (where the property is located); called Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED).
- Serve a notice to quit (7-day for cause/nonpayment or 30-day no-cause for tenancies at will; per lease terms if a lease), with the CV-256 Information Sheet and Mediation Request
- After the notice period ends, file Complaint (CV-007) and get an FED Summons (CV-034, $5 each) from the clerk; attach the CV-256 and Notice Regarding Electronic Service
- Sheriff serves each defendant at least 14 days before the hearing (mail-plus-posting allowed after 3 attempts on 3 separate days, with affidavit CV-204)
- File notice to quit, complaint, summons with return of service, lease, and $100 filing fee at least 3 business days before the hearing
- Hearing; free mediation available at court on the hearing day
- Judgment for possession
- Writ of possession issues 7 days after judgment (tenant can still reinstate in nonpayment cases by paying arrears, rent due, and filing/service costs before the writ issues)
- Sheriff or constable serves the writ; tenant has 48 hours to leave, after which belongings are treated as abandoned under § 6013
Hearing date must be at least 14 days after service of the summons and complaint (Maine Judicial Branch guide). The statute itself (§ 6004) does not set a day count.
What surprises people about Maine rental law
- Application fees are banned; a landlord may charge only the actual cost of one background, credit, or other screening check, no more than once per 12 months, must give the applicant a complete copy of the results, and must disclose that right first (14 M.R.S. § 6030-H, enacted PL 2023, c. 346; https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6030-H.html)
- Move-in costs are capped at first month's rent + security deposit (max 2 months' rent) + any properly disclosed mandatory recurring fee (14 M.R.S. § 6022-A, PL 2023, c. 594; https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6022-A.html)
- Before signing, landlords must give a signed written total price disclosure (rent, mandatory and optional recurring fees, utility costs, other costs), unless the tenant pays no recurring fees (14 M.R.S. § 6030-J, PL 2023, c. 594; https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6030-J.html)
- Optional recurring fees are opt-in only, may be stopped at any time without penalty, and refusal can't be grounds for denying or ending a tenancy (14 M.R.S. § 6030-I; https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6030-I.html)
- Rent increases of 10% or more (alone or cumulatively within 12 months) need 75 days' written notice; smaller increases need 45 days (14 M.R.S. § 6015; https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6015-2.html)
- Late fees can't be charged until rent is 15 days late and are capped at 4% of a month's rent (14 M.R.S. § 6028; https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6028.html)
- If the landlord supplies heat, the system must be able to keep 68°F under specified conditions; a written agreement can lower this to no less than 62°F with a rent reduction, but not if anyone over 65 or under 5 lives there (14 M.R.S. § 6021(6), (6-A); https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6021.html)
- In a nonpayment eviction, the tenant can stop the case even after the 7-day notice expires by paying all arrears, current rent, and the landlord's filing and service fees before the writ issues; general assistance payments or written assurances count as cash (14 M.R.S. § 6002(1); https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6002.html)
- Eviction does not collect back rent; that requires a separate case, often in small claims court (Maine Judicial Branch; https://courts.maine.gov/help/guides/fed-brochure-revised.pdf)
Federal law that also applies in Maine
These federal rules apply on top of Maine law, mostly to discrimination, servicemembers, survivors and federally assisted housing:
- Fair Housing Act: protected classes, covered housing and exemptions: Save every listing, text and email. A discriminatory ad is illegal even when the landlord's unit is otherwise exempt. More
- Assistance animals (service and emotional support animals) in housing: Ask for the accommodation in writing, keep a copy, and if a disability or the need for the animal is not obvious, offer reliable documentation of it. More
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act: ending a lease early: Deliver the notice and orders by a method you can prove, such as certified mail with return receipt, and keep copies. More
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act: eviction protection: Tell the court in writing that you or your spouse are on active duty and ask for an SCRA stay. More
- VAWA housing protections: Ask the landlord or housing authority for its VAWA emergency transfer plan and request a transfer in writing. More
- CARES Act 30-day notice to vacate (covered dwellings): If your building has a federally backed mortgage or federal subsidy and you received less than 30 days' notice to vacate, raise the CARES Act as a defense. More
- HUD 30-day nonpayment notice (public housing and project-based Section 8): If you pay the full amount listed in the notice within 30 days, the landlord cannot file for eviction over that rent. More
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) basics for private landlords: If a voucher landlord asks for 'side payments' above your share of the rent, refuse and report it to your PHA. More
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing): If your pre-1978 lease came with no lead disclosure form and pamphlet, ask for them in writing before signing. More
- FCRA tenant screening: adverse action notices and disputes: Request your free report from the screening company within 60 days of a denial and dispute any errors in writing with supporting documents. More
- Rental 'junk fee' rulemaking and enforcement (FTC/CFPB): Before paying an application fee, ask in writing for the total monthly cost including every mandatory fee. More
- Federal eviction moratoria: Check your state and city rules, since any eviction pause now comes from local, not federal, law. More
Eviction by county in Maine
Which court hears evictions, filing fees, local rent levels and help:
For landlords
How to evict a tenant in Maine — steps, cost, timeline and forms.
Common Maine questions
- Can a landlord enter without notice or permission?
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
- Can a landlord evict you without going to court, change the locks or shut off utilities?
- Can I withhold rent for repairs?
- How long does an eviction take?
- How much notice does a landlord have to give before an eviction?
- Can a landlord raise the rent in the middle of a lease?
- How much notice does a landlord have to give to end a lease or not renew?
- How much can a landlord charge for a late fee?
- Can a landlord retaliate against a tenant for complaining?
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
- How long does a landlord have to sue for unpaid rent or damages?
- Can a landlord accept rent during an eviction?
- Can you be evicted in the winter?
- Can a landlord give an eviction notice by text or email?
- How much notice does a landlord have to give before raising the rent?
- Does a landlord have to give you a copy of the lease?
- What happens to tenants if the landlord goes into foreclosure?
- How long does a landlord have to keep a tenant's belongings?
- How do you remove a squatter?
- How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee?
- What rental fees are illegal (junk fees)?
- Can I break my lease because of domestic violence?
- Can I break my lease for military orders, medical reasons or a death?
- Can a landlord refuse Section 8?
- Can an eviction be removed from your record?
- Do tenants get a free lawyer for an eviction?
- What are my rights without a written lease?
- Does a landlord have to fix mold?
- Who pays for pest control and bed bugs in a rental?
- Does a landlord have to provide heat?
- Does a landlord have to provide air conditioning?
- What can a landlord charge for at move-out (cleaning, painting, carpet)?
- Can a landlord put cameras in or around a rental?
- Can a landlord limit overnight guests or roommates?
- Can a landlord deny a service or emotional support animal?
- Can a landlord evict you for no reason?
Free calculators
- Notice Deadline Calculator
- Security Deposit Deadline Calculator
- Late Fee Checker
- Rent Increase Calculator
How Maine compares to neighboring states
| State | Security deposit limit | Deposit return deadline | Notice for unpaid rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | 2 months' rent 14 M.R.S. § 6032 | Written rental agreement: within the time stated in the agreement, which may not exceed 30 days. Tenancy at will: 21 days after termination or surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever is later. 14 M.R.S. § 6033(2) | 7-day written notice to quit (tenancy at will) when rent is 7 or more days in arrears. Paying the full rent due before the notice expires voids it. After expiration, paying all arrears, rent due to date, and the landlord's filing and service fees before the writ of possession issues reinstates the tenancy. 14 M.R.S. § 6002(1)(C), (1), (2) |
| New Hampshire | One month's rent or $100, whichever is greater. RSA 540-A:6, I(a) | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends. RSA 540-A:7, I | 7-day written eviction notice (plus a demand for rent), stating the reason with specificity and telling the tenant of the right to avoid eviction by paying arrears. RSA 540:3, II-IV; RSA 540:2, II(a); RSA 540:5 |
Maine landlord-tenant FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maine?
2 months' rent (14 M.R.S. § 6032)
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maine?
Written rental agreement: within the time stated in the agreement, which may not exceed 30 days. Tenancy at will: 21 days after termination or surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever is later. (14 M.R.S. § 6033(2))
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Maine?
No statutory interest requirement (14 M.R.S. §§ 6032, 6038)
Does a landlord in Maine have to give an itemized list of deposit deductions?
If any part is withheld, the landlord must give a written statement itemizing the reasons for retention and return the balance within the § 6033 deadline. Normal wear and tear may not be deducted. Mailing to the tenant's last known address satisfies the requirement. (14 M.R.S. § 6033(1)-(2))
What happens if a landlord in Maine wrongfully keeps a security deposit?
Twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs. Tenant must give the landlord at least 7 days' notice of intent to sue; if the deposit is not returned within those 7 days, wrongful retention is presumed. Landlord bears the burden of proving the withholding was not wrongful. (14 M.R.S. § 6034)
How much notice does a landlord have to give before evicting for unpaid rent in Maine?
7-day written notice to quit (tenancy at will) when rent is 7 or more days in arrears. Paying the full rent due before the notice expires voids it. After expiration, paying all arrears, rent due to date, and the landlord's filing and service fees before the writ of possession issues reinstates the tenancy. (14 M.R.S. § 6002(1)(C), (1), (2))
How much notice is required to evict for a lease violation in Maine?
Tenancy at will: 7-day written notice for specified causes - substantial unrepaired damage, nuisance/making the unit unfit/violation of law, domestic violence/sexual assault/stalking against another tenant, violence or threats against other tenants/guests/landlord, or an unauthorized occupant. The statutory cure/reinstatement right in § 6002 applies to the rent-arrears ground. For written leases, the lease terms govern; if a lease has no termination provision for material breach, § 6001(1-B) allows termination under § 6002 procedures. (14 M.R.S. §§ 6002(1)(A)-(F), 6001(1-B))
How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month lease in Maine?
30 days' written notice by either landlord or tenant (tenancy at will); no cause required. If rent has been paid through a date beyond the 30 days, the notice must expire on or after that date. (14 M.R.S. § 6002(1))
Can a landlord enter without notice in Maine?
Reasonable notice at reasonable times; 24 hours' notice is presumed reasonable. No notice needed in an emergency or where impracticable. Tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry for inspections, repairs, improvements, or showings. (14 M.R.S. § 6025)
Is there a limit on late fees in Maine?
Cap of 4% of one month's rent. Rent is not 'late' until 15 days after it is due. Landlord must give written notice of the possible late fee at the start of the rental agreement or no fee may be charged. (14 M.R.S. § 6028)
Can a tenant repair and deduct from rent in Maine?
Allowed for conditions that endanger or materially impair health or safety when the reasonable cost is less than the greater of $500 or 1/2 of the monthly rent. Tenant must give written notice of intent by certified mail (return receipt); landlord has 14 days to fix (or as promptly as conditions require in an emergency). Tenant then deducts the actual reasonable cost with an itemized statement. (14 M.R.S. § 6026)
Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Maine?
No statutory self-help rent withholding. Remedies for habitability breaches run through court: a tenant who was current on rent when giving written notice may sue under the warranty of habitability for injunction and rent abatement; a tenant sued for nonpayment may raise the landlord's habitability breach as a defense. (14 M.R.S. §§ 6021(3)-(4), 6002(3))
Can a landlord retaliate against a tenant for complaining in Maine?
Rebuttable presumption of retaliation if the landlord files an eviction within 6 months after the tenant: asserted rights under §§ 6015, 6016, 6021, 6030-D, 6030-I or 6030-J; made a good-faith code complaint (or a code agency filed one); made a good-faith written complaint or repair request; filed a fair-housing complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission or HUD; notified the landlord of domestic violence/sexual assault/stalking victim status; or reported sexual harassment by the landlord. (14 M.R.S. § 6001(3))
Is there rent control or a limit on rent increases in Maine?
No statewide cap on rent amounts. State law regulates increases by notice: at least 45 days' written notice of any rent or mandatory recurring fee increase, and 75 days' notice if the increase (or several increases within 12 months) totals 10% or more. Rent may not be increased while the unit violates the warranty of habitability. State law does not preempt local rent control, and Portland has a local rent control ordinance. (14 M.R.S. §§ 6015, 6016)
Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in Maine?
Self-help eviction is illegal: a landlord may not willfully interrupt utilities (water, heat, electricity, gas, etc.), lock the tenant out, or seize the tenant's property except by judicial process. Remedy: actual damages or $250, whichever is greater, plus costs and reasonable attorney's fees. (14 M.R.S. § 6014)
What is the small claims court limit in Maine for a deposit dispute?
$10,000 (exclusive of interest and costs) (14 M.R.S. § 7482)
How do you remove a squatter in Maine?
No special squatter-removal or affidavit statute. The owner uses the court process of forcible entry and detainer (FED), which may be brought against 'a disseisor who has not acquired any claim by possession and improvement.' For an occupant of a tenant's unit who is not an authorized occupant, the tenancy may be ended with a 7-day written notice (14 M.R.S. § 6002(1)(F)) and then an FED action. No self-help. (14 M.R.S. §§ 6001(1), 6002(1)(F))
What can a landlord do with a tenant's abandoned property in Maine?
Store the property in a safe, dry, secure place. Send written notice by first-class mail with proof of mailing to the tenant's last known address. The notice must include an itemized list of the items and say the landlord may dispose of them if the tenant does not respond within 7 days. If the tenant is still in possession after judgment, the claim period cannot be shorter than 7 days after mailing or 48 hours after the writ is served, whichever is longer. If the tenant claims the property within 7 days, it must be released without payment as long as the tenant retrieves it by day 14. Unclaimed property may be held until arrears and storage are paid, sold at fair market value (any surplus goes to the Treasurer of State), or thrown away if it has no value. The tenant may waive these rights after vacating; an oral waiver must be confirmed in writing. (14 M.R.S. § 6013)
Is there a limit on rental application fees in Maine?
Application fees and fees to review or approve an application are banned. The one exception: the landlord may charge the actual cost of only one of these: a background check, a credit check or another screening process. The landlord must first tell the applicant that the law requires giving them a complete copy of the information obtained, and must then provide that copy. No more than one screening fee per applicant in any 12-month period. (14 M.R.S. § 6030-H (PL 2023, c. 346))
What rental fees are banned or limited in Maine?
Move-in cap: at the start of a tenancy the landlord, agent or broker may not require more than (1) the first full month's rent, (2) a security deposit within the § 6032 limit, and (3) any properly disclosed mandatory recurring fee. Before signing, the landlord must give a signed, plain-language written disclosure of total rent, mandatory recurring fees, optional recurring fees, utility costs and any other cost the tenant will pay. This is not required if the tenant pays no recurring fees. Optional recurring fees (for non-essential services or features) are allowed only with prior written notice that the tenant may opt in and stop paying at any time without penalty; a landlord may not deny or end a tenancy because the tenant opts out. Notice rules for raising rent or a mandatory recurring fee are in § 6015. (14 M.R.S. §§ 6000(1-A), 6022-A, 6030-I, 6030-J (PL 2023, c. 594))
Can a domestic violence survivor break a lease in Maine?
Applies to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, and to tenants sexually harassed by the landlord or the landlord's agent. Notice: 7 days' written notice for a tenancy at will or a lease shorter than one year; 30 days' written notice for a lease of one year or more. Documentation naming the perpetrator is required, such as a signed statement from an advocate, health care provider or law enforcement officer, a protection order or complaint, a police report, or a criminal complaint or conviction. Liability: the victim owes no rent after the later of the date the notice expires or the date the victim moves out. Prepaid rent for the current month need not be refunded. Also: a victim cannot be evicted for incidents of violence against them, and owes no more than the security deposit for damage caused by a perpetrator who is a tenant, if notice is given within 30 days. (14 M.R.S. §§ 6001(6)(A)-(H), 6002(4); definitions § 6000)
Can an eviction record be sealed or removed in Maine?
Partial: there is no sealing or expungement, but FED and small-claims court records become available to the public only at a courthouse, not online, in three cases: (1) the parties agree; (2) the case was dismissed or decided for the defendant; or (3) more than 3 years have passed since judgment. This applies automatically by statute. (4 M.R.S. § 9-C (PL 2021, c. 644, LD 913))
Can a landlord refuse Section 8 vouchers in Maine?
Yes. The Maine Human Rights Act makes it unlawful to refuse to rent to, or impose different tenancy terms on, someone who receives federal, state or local public assistance, including housing subsidies such as vouchers, primarily because they receive it. (5 M.R.S. § 4581-A(4))
Do tenants have a right to a free lawyer in eviction cases in Maine?
No statewide right to counsel in eviction cases. By statute, the court must announce at the start of FED hearings if an attorney is available that day to represent tenants. The summons must include a court form that lists legal-help resources. (14 M.R.S. § 6004(2)-(3))
What does a Maine notice to pay rent or quit have to include?
Written 7-day notice once rent is 7 or more days late. It must state the specific ground and the amount of rent 7 or more days in arrears as of the notice date, and must include this statutory text word for word: "If you pay the amount of rent due as of the date of this notice before this notice expires, then this notice as it applies to rent arrearage is void. After this notice expires, if you pay all rental arrears, all rent due as of the date of payment and any filing fees and service of process fees actually paid by the landlord before the writ of possession issues at the completion of the eviction process, then your tenancy will be reinstated." It must also say the tenant has the right to contest the termination in court. Since Jan. 1, 2024 the landlord must attach the judicial branch's form notice. Delivery: in hand. After 3 good-faith attempts at personal service, by both first-class mail to the last known address and leaving it at the tenant's last and usual place of abode. An unintentional clerical error in the amount does not void the notice. A 30-day notice and a 7-day notice may be combined. (14 M.R.S. §§ 6002(1)(C), 6002(2)(A)-(B), 6002 (first two paragraphs), 6001(7))
What does a Maine notice to end a month-to-month tenancy have to include?
Tenancy at will: at least 30 days' written notice. If rent has been paid past the 30-day date, the notice must expire on or after the date rent is paid through. The notice must say the tenant has the right to contest the termination in court. If it does not, that is grounds to set aside a default judgment. The judicial branch form notice must be attached (since Jan. 1, 2024). Delivery: in hand. After 3 good-faith attempts, by both first-class mail to the last known address and leaving it at the tenant's last and usual place of abode. Either party may waive the 30 days in writing, but only when the notice is given. (14 M.R.S. §§ 6002 (first two paragraphs), 6001(7))
What must a Maine security deposit itemization include?
A written statement itemizing the reasons for keeping any part of the deposit, sent together with full payment of the balance. Deadline: within the time stated in a written lease (no more than 30 days), or 21 days after a tenancy at will ends or the premises are surrendered, whichever is later. Nothing may be kept for normal wear and tear. Allowed reasons include storage and disposal of unclaimed property, unpaid rent and unpaid utilities owed to the landlord. Mailing the statement and payment to the tenant's last known address is compliance. A landlord who misses the deadline loses the right to keep any part of the deposit. (14 M.R.S. § 6033(1)-(3))
How long does a landlord have to sue for unpaid rent in Maine?
6 years for civil actions generally, including suits for unpaid rent or damages under a written or oral lease. 20 years only for contracts under seal (or promissory notes signed with an attesting witness). (14 M.R.S. § 752; 14 M.R.S. § 751)
Can a landlord accept rent during an eviction in Maine?
By statute, a termination based on a 30-day notice is NOT affected by the landlord receiving money (back rent or current use and occupancy) until the writ of possession issues. Exception: the tenant isn't subject to eviction without new notice if, after the notice, they paid rent that accrued after the tenancy ended. On a 7-day nonpayment notice, paying the full rent due before the notice expires voids it. Afterward, paying all arrears, current rent and the landlord's filing and service fees before the writ issues reinstates the tenancy. (14 M.R.S. § 6002 (first paragraph; sub-§ 1, unnumbered paragraph after ¶F))
Can you be evicted in the winter in Maine?
No state statute limits winter evictions. If a landlord fails to pay for utility service in the landlord's name, the tenant may pay it under 35-A M.R.S. § 706 and deduct the cost from rent, and can recover the greater of actual cost or $100 plus costs (and possibly attorney fees). Landlords cannot make one unit's tenant pay for common-area heat/utilities without a written agreement and a fair rent reduction. (14 M.R.S. § 6024-A; 14 M.R.S. § 6024)
Can a landlord give notice by text or email in Maine?
Termination notices must be written and are normally served in hand. After at least 3 good-faith attempts at personal service, the landlord may serve by BOTH first-class mail to the last known address AND leaving the notice at the tenant's home. The statute has no provision for email or text. The notice must tell the tenant they have the right to contest in court. Whoever is authorized to sign the lease is the owner's agent for receiving notices and service. (14 M.R.S. § 6002 (intro and sub-§ 1); 14 M.R.S. § 6023)
How much notice is required for a rent increase in Maine?
At least 45 days' written notice before any increase in rent or mandatory recurring fees. At least 75 days' written notice if the increase (or increases totaling over 12 months) is 10% or more. Waivers are void. Rent cannot be raised while the unit violates the warranty of habitability (unless the tenant caused it). Violators must refund the amounts collected plus interest and attorney fees. (14 M.R.S. § 6015(1)-(2); 14 M.R.S. § 6016)
Does a landlord have to give a copy of the lease in Maine?
No statute requiring a signed lease copy was found in chapters 709/710. Before entering a lease or tenancy at will, the landlord must give the prospective tenant a written total-price disclosure of the rent, fees and other costs the tenant will pay. Other required disclosures include energy efficiency, radon, lead and smoking policy. A person authorized to sign the lease is the owner's agent for notices and service. (14 M.R.S. § 6030-J(2); § 6023; ch. 709-710 checked)
What are tenants' rights in a foreclosure in Maine?
A bona fide tenancy in a building in foreclosure, or with a foreclosure judgment, can be ended only under the federal Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act (Maine incorporates PTFA protections into state law). After an ordinary sale, a new owner cannot evict a tenant at will unless the tenant received a proper § 6002 termination notice from the old or new owner. (14 M.R.S. § 6001(1-A), (2))
Does a landlord have to fix mold in Maine?
Yes, by statute. It is a breach of the implied warranty of habitability for a landlord to offer for rent a unit with a leaking event (a water leak from flooding or a roof, window, door, plumbing, foundation or appliance failure), or chronic moisture or humidity outside the tenant's control, that results in the growth of mold, bacteria or other biological organisms. A tenant who gave written notice, is current on rent and did not cause the condition can sue; the court can order repairs, reduce rent to the unit's fair value, or let the tenant temporarily vacate without paying. Municipalities may adopt stricter standards. (14 M.R.S. § 6021(1), (3), (4), (6-B) (added by PL 2025, c. 515))
Who pays for pest control and bed bugs in Maine?
Detailed bed bug statute. The landlord must inspect within 5 days after written or oral notice from a tenant, contact a licensed pest control agent within 10 days after confirming an infestation, and pay for treatment by an insured agent. Before renting, the landlord must disclose if an adjacent unit is infested or being treated, and on request must give the last date the unit or adjacent units were inspected and found free of bed bugs. A landlord may not rent a unit known or suspected to be infested. Tenants must promptly report suspected bed bugs, allow access on reasonable notice, and follow treatment measures. A tenant who unreasonably fails to cooperate pays for the resulting treatments. A noncompliant landlord owes the greater of $250 or actual damages, plus attorney fees. (14 M.R.S. § 6021-A)
Does a landlord have to provide heat in Maine?
When the lease obligates the landlord to provide heat, the heating system must be able to keep at least 68°F (measured 3 feet from exterior walls and 5 feet above the floor, at an outside temperature of -20°F). The landlord must not keep it so cold that it is injurious to health and must keep pipes and systems from freezing. Falling short breaches the warranty of habitability. A landlord and tenant can agree in a separate signed writing to a lower setting, but not below 62°F, with a fair rent reduction. The agreement is revocable and not allowed if anyone over 65 or under 5 lives there. No statewide heating season is set. (14 M.R.S. § 6021(6), (6-A))
Does a landlord have to provide air conditioning in Maine?
No statute — Maine law does not require landlords to provide air conditioning or set a maximum indoor temperature. If the lease includes AC, the landlord must keep that promise. (14 M.R.S. ch. 710 (§§ 6021-6030-K checked))
What can a landlord deduct from a deposit for cleaning or damage in Maine?
Defined by statute: deterioration that occurs from the intended use without negligence, carelessness, accident or abuse by the tenant, household members or guests. A deposit cannot be kept for normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear does not include removing trash or other items the tenant left behind. If the unit was rented in habitable condition, it also does not include the cost of restoring it to habitable condition, which can include cleaning, unless the landlord or outside events caused the need. Deductions may also cover storing and disposing of unclaimed property, unpaid rent and unpaid utilities owed to the landlord. (14 M.R.S. § 6031(1); § 6033(1)-(2))
Can a landlord put cameras in or around a rental in Maine?
No landlord-specific statute. Under the general privacy crime, it is a Class D crime to install or use a device to observe, photograph or record in a 'private place' (such as a bathroom or bedroom) without the consent of those entitled to privacy there. Using a device outside a private place to capture images or sounds from inside that would not normally be visible or audible is also a crime. Intercepting oral or wire communications is a Class C crime unless the person recording is the sender or receiver of the communication. Cameras in common areas aren't specifically regulated. (17-A M.R.S. § 511; 15 M.R.S. §§ 709, 710)
Can a landlord limit guests or roommates in Maine?
No statute — the lease governs guests, occupancy limits and roommates. Maine's landlord-tenant chapters don't address guest stays or roommate additions. Fair housing law bars discrimination against families with children. (14 M.R.S. ch. 710 (§§ 6021-6030-K checked); 14 M.R.S. § 6027)
Can a landlord deny a service or emotional support animal in Maine?
Under the Maine Human Rights Act, refusing to allow an assistance animal for a person with a physical or mental disability is unlawful housing discrimination. The only exceptions are if the animal poses a direct threat, would cause substantial property damage, or would substantially interfere with others' enjoyment. The landlord cannot charge a fee or deposit for an assistance animal, but the tenant is liable for damage it causes. Knowingly misrepresenting an animal as a service or assistance animal, including creating or supplying false documents, is a civil violation with a fine of up to $1,000 per occurrence. Landlords are generally not civilly liable for injuries or damage involving a tenant's assistance animal, except for gross negligence, recklessness or intentional misconduct. (5 M.R.S. § 4582-A(3); 17 M.R.S. § 1314-A; 17 M.R.S. § 1312(5); 14 M.R.S. § 6030-G)
Official resources for Maine
- Maine Attorney General - Tenant Rights
- Maine Judicial Branch - Eviction (FED) help
- Maine Judicial Branch - Evicting a Tenant for Not Paying Rent (guide)
- 14 M.R.S. Ch. 709 - Forcible Entry and Detainer
- 14 M.R.S. Ch. 710 - Rental Property
- 14 M.R.S. Ch. 710-A - Security Deposits
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.