Summary (14 M.R.S.A. §§ 6021-6030): Maine’s landlord-tenant laws establish the rights and responsibilities of both parties, including:

• Property Maintenance – Both landlords and tenants must keep the property safe and habitable.
• Fair Housing – Both landlords and tenants are required to follow fair housing laws which ban discrimination of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.

Summary (§ 6032, § 6033): In Maine, landlords can collect a security deposit of up to two months’ rent, and they are required to return it (after lawful deductions) within 30 days of the tenant moving out.

• 30 Days – The time frame for returning the deposit.
• Deductions must be documented in writing and shared with the tenant.
• Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted from the security deposit.
• Tenants may sue for up to double the amount of the deposit if the landlord fails to return it in time.

Summary: Both landlords and tenants have rights to terminate a lease under the following conditions.

• Landlord’s Ability to Terminate
  • 7-day notice for non-payment of rent.
  • 30-day notice for lease violations.
• Tenant’s Ability to Terminate
  • Tenants may terminate a lease with 30 days’ notice, if there is a domestic violence situation.
  • Month-to-month tenants can end the lease with a 30-day notice.

Summary (§ 6025(2)): Landlords must provide reasonable notice (24 hours) before entering the property unless there is an emergency. Tenants cannot unreasonably deny access to the landlord.

Summary (§ 6028(1)): Late fees must be reasonable and stated in the rental agreement.

Summary: Landlords must follow legal procedures for eviction, which includes providing a notice and a court order if the tenant does not fix the situation after notice is given.

Summary: Landlords are obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition. If repairs are not made after notice, tenants may have the right to withhold rent or terminate the lease.

• Tenants cannot deduct repair costs from rent unless a prior agreement with the landlord says so.

Summary: Landlord must give tenants the following forms prior to the move-in date.

1. 1. 1. 1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure  (mainehousing.org) – Required for properties built before 1978 to inform tenants of potential lead hazards.
         2. Bedbugs Infestation Disclosure (Maine Housing) – This form discloses any bedbug problems in the past.
         3. Electricity to Common Areas (§ 6024) – The landlord cannot charge the tenant for electricity, heat, or any utilities related to common areas, such as hallways and stairwells, unless both parties agree.
         4. Energy Efficiency Disclosure (§ 6030-C) – The landlord is required to complete and have the tenant sign the energy efficiency disclosure form.
         5. Radon Disclosure Form (§ 6030-D(1))- Since 2012, landlords must check for radon every 10 years and provide this form to all tenants.
         6. Rental Housing Rights Disclosure Form (Portland ONLY) (City of Portland, Maine – Rental Housing Rights) – This form must be provided to tenants prior to occupancy.
         7. Security Deposit Location (§ 6022)- For properties with four or more units unless the landlord lives in a unit then five or more units.
         8. Smoking Policy (§ 6030-E(3)) – Must be clearly outlines in the agreement and it should include the policies for designated smoking areas, if allowed on the rental property.