Maine Rental Application Form

💵 Rental Application Fees

In Maine, landlords are restricted to charging only one screening fee per applicant. Acceptable fees include:

• Background check fee
• Credit check fee
• Other legally allowed screening fees ^[1]

Note: Only one fee is allowed per application. Charging multiple screening fees is not permitted.

🚫 Prohibited Areas (Portland)

In Portland, Maine, landlords are not allowed to charge any rental application fee whatsoever. This includes background checks, credit reports, or administrative costs. ^[2]

📝 Disclosure of Criteria (Portland ONLY)

Before collecting an application or any fee, landlords in Portland must provide applicants with written tenant screening criteria. This ensures transparency in the approval process. ^[3]

⏳ Frequency of Fees

Landlords may only charge a screening fee once every 12 months per applicant. Charging the same tenant again within this timeframe is prohibited.

📄 Copies for Tenants

Landlords are required to provide tenants with copies of all screening reports used in the application process, including credit, background, or eviction history reports.

💰 Security Deposit Limit

Landlords in Maine can charge a maximum security deposit equal to two (2) months’ rent. This includes both refundable and non-refundable fees. ^[4]