Maine Landlord-Tenant Laws
This overview summarizes common Maine landlord-tenant topics using published statute references (Maine Revised Statutes Title 14). Laws change — confirm details with official sources.
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Maine at a glance: Security deposit limit: 2 months' rent. Return deadline: 30 days. Month-to-month notice: 30 days. Source: Maine Revised Statutes Title 14.
Security deposit
- Maximum deposit
- 2 months' rent
- Return deadline
- 30 days
- Interest required
- No statutory requirement
The rule: Max 2 months' rent. Under a written rental agreement the deposit, or a written itemized statement of what is kept with the balance, is due within the time the agreement sets and never more than 30 days; for a tenancy at will it is due within 21 days. A landlord who misses the deadline loses the right to keep any of it. Does not apply to an owner-occupied building of 5 or fewer units (14 M.R.S. §§ 6032, 6033, 6037).
Landlords should provide an itemized deduction list when withholding any portion of the deposit.
Source read · 14 M.R.S. §§ 6032, 6033, 6037
Eviction notice
- Nonpayment of rent
- 7 days notice
- Lease violation
- 7 days notice
Court filing and service rules vary by county. Use our eviction timeline calculator for planning.
Notice to vacate
- Month-to-month lease
- 30 days notice
- Fixed-term lease
- No notice required if lease ends
Late rent fees
- Grace period
- 15 days
- Maximum late fee
- 4% of rent
Additional regulations
- Rent control
- No statewide rent control
- Landlord entry notice
- 24 hours
Primary statute reference: Maine Revised Statutes Title 14
Sources
When to use Maine document templates
Use LeaseCraft templates when you need PDF and editable DOCX lease and notice forms built for Maine landlords and tenants. Start with the residential lease generator, then add notices from the list of Maine documents.
Common mistakes in Maine
- Relying on verbal agreements instead of a written lease with required disclosures
- Missing the security deposit return deadline (30 days)
- Serving eviction or termination notices with incorrect day counts
Frequently asked questions
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In Maine the security deposit limit is 2 months' rent. The return deadline is 30 days. Max 2 months' rent. Under a written rental agreement the deposit, or a written itemized statement of what is kept with the balance, is due within the time the agreement sets and never more than 30 days; for a tenancy at will it is due within 21 days. A landlord who misses the deadline loses the right to keep any of it. Does not apply to an owner-occupied building of 5 or fewer units (14 M.R.S. §§ 6032, 6033, 6037).
Confirm current rules in Maine Revised Statutes Title 14.
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Maine month-to-month tenancies typically require 30 days written notice unless the lease specifies otherwise.
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Use our Maine lease agreement generator to build a residential lease with state-structured clauses. Preview free before download.
Educational summary only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific guidance. LeaseCraft is not a law firm. Statutes change — verify requirements with official Maine sources before relying on this information.
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