At a Glance
| Question | Answer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit limit? | 2 months' rent | Applies to all residential tenancies |
| Rent control? | No statewide | Portland has rent stabilization program |
| Required notice to raise rent? | 45 days | Required for all tenancies |
| Lease required in writing? | No | Oral leases are enforceable, but written leases are recommended |
| Landlord entry notice? | 24 hours | Landlord must provide at least 24 hours' notice before entry |
Security Deposits
Maine limits security deposits to 2 months' rent. Landlords must hold the deposit in a separate account and may not commingle it with personal funds.
Landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days of the tenant vacating the unit, or within 21 days if the tenant vacates without giving proper notice. The return must include an itemized statement of any deductions.
cite: Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 6032
Eviction Procedures
Maine requires landlords to follow specific legal procedures to evict a tenant. Self-help evictions (changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing belongings) are illegal.
Notice Requirements
- 7-Day Notice: For nonpayment of rent; tenant must pay within 7 days or vacate
- 7-Day Notice: For lease violations; tenant must remedy the violation within 7 days or vacate
- 30-Day Notice: For terminating tenancies without cause (at-will tenancies)
Additional Protections
Maine provides additional protections for tenants facing eviction:
- Landlords must file a Forcible Entry and Detainer action in court
- Tenants have the right to contest the eviction at a hearing
- Courts may grant additional time for tenants to find alternative housing in certain circumstances
cite: Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 6001–6015
Rent Control
Maine does not have a statewide rent control law. However, the City of Portland has enacted a rent stabilization program that limits annual rent increases for certain residential units. Portland's program caps increases and requires landlords to register rental units.
Landlords in other parts of Maine are free to set and raise rent at their discretion, subject to the terms of any existing lease agreement. For all tenancies, landlords must provide at least 45 days' notice before implementing a rent increase.
cite: Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 6015
Lease Agreements
Maine does not require leases to be in writing, and oral lease agreements are enforceable. However, written leases are recommended to clearly document the terms of the tenancy and protect both parties.
Required Disclosures
Maine landlords must provide the following disclosures:
- Lead-based paint (pre-1978 properties)
- Energy efficiency: Information about the energy efficiency of the unit
- Bed bugs: Landlords must disclose any known bed bug infestations
- Radon: Information about radon levels if testing has been conducted
- Owner/agent identity: The name and address of the property owner or authorized agent
- Security deposit account: The name and location of the financial institution holding the deposit
cite: Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 6021–6030
Tenant Rights
Maine provides the following protections for tenants:
- Habitability: Landlords must maintain rental units in habitable condition, including working plumbing, heating, electricity, and structural integrity
- Retaliation protection: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who exercise their legal rights, such as reporting code violations or organizing tenant groups
- Discrimination protection: Fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, and source of income
- Right to privacy: Landlords must provide at least 24 hours' notice before entering a tenant's unit, except in emergencies
- Repair and deduct: Tenants may arrange for essential repairs and deduct reasonable costs from rent if the landlord fails to address habitability issues after proper notice