Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Maine

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Maine law says

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)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	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. § 6033: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6033.html. The statute doesn't specifically address painting or carpet; those depend on whether the damage goes beyond ordinary deterioration. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6031(1); § 6033(1)-(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)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

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.

§ 6033: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6033.html. The statute doesn't specifically address painting or carpet; those depend on whether the damage goes beyond ordinary deterioration.

Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6031(1); § 6033(1)-(2)

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Maine tenant rights

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.