ME

Tenants Right to Sublet

  • Tenants need their Landlords written consent to sublet unless it is written in the lease agreement.

Short-Term Lodgings Tax Rules

  • Short-Term Rentals – There’s a statewide tax of 9%. [1]
  • 28-Day Stays or Less – The tax is levied on rentals of less than 28 consecutive days.
  • 15-Day Stays or Less – If a room is rented for fewer than 15 days in a year, the operator doesn’t need to collect taxes. [2]

Eviction Laws

  • Authority of the Landlord – The Landlord can evict the original Tenant if the sublessee violates the lease terms or damages the property. [3]

Sources

  1. § 1811D(3)
  2. Maine.Gov
  3. § 9097 Terms of Rental Agreement

Sample Maine Sublease Agreement Template

https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Maine-Sublease-Agreement.pdf

Sample Maine Room Rental Lease Agreement

https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Maine-Room-Rental-Lease-Agreement.pdf

Maine Landlord and Tenant Online Resources

Sample Maine Lease-to-Purchase Lease Agreement

https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MAINE-LEASE-TO-PURCHASE-OPTION-AGREEMENT-TEMPLATE.pdf

Required Landlord / Tenant Disclosure Forms in Maine (8)

  1. Bedbug Disclosure – Tenants must be told about past bedbug issues or treatments (if any). [1]
  2. Common Area Utilities – Tenants are not responsible for the utilities in shared areas unless agreed upon in writing in the residential lease agreement form. [2]
  3. Energy Efficiency Details – Landlords must disclose the energy efficiency details to Tenants paying utilities. [3]
  4. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form and EPA Brochure – For properties built before 1978, the Landlord must disclose lead-based paint. [4]
  5. Radon Disclosure Form – Tenants must be informed about radon gas risks on the property. [5]
  6. Tenant Rights (Portland Only) – Landlords in Portland must provide information on Tenant rights.
  7. Security Deposit Location – Landlords must inform Tenants the information where the security deposit is held. [6]
  8. Smoking Policy – Landlords must disclose the property’s smoking policy. [7]

Security Deposit Laws and Returning Requirements

  • Maximum Amount – No more than two months’ rent. [8]
  • Returning Deposit to Tenant – for a fixed-term lease Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out and for month-to-month leases the Landlord must return the deposit within 21 days. [9]

Rent Payment Laws and Late Fees

  • Grace Period – 15 days. [10]
  • Maximum Late Fee – Cannot charge more than 4% of the monthly rent. [11]
  • NSF Fee – 12% of the monthly rent for a bounced rent check. [12]

Sources

  1. § 6021-A(2)
  2. § 6024
  3. § 6030-C
  4. 42 U.S. Code § 4852d
  5. § 6030-D
  6. § 6038(1)
  7. § 6030-E(3)
  8. § 6032
  9. § 6033(2)
  10. § 6028(1)
  11. § 6028(2)
  12. § 6071(1)

How to write a Maine Residential Lease Agreement?

MAINE RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT

1. PARTIES.

This Maine Residential Lease Agreement (“Agreement”) is made on
the undersigned date by and between:
Landlord’s Name: _______________________________________________
Mailing Address: _______________________________________________
Tenant’s Name: _______________________________________________
Mailing Address: _______________________________________________

2. PROPERTY.

Property Address: _______________________________________________
• Type: ☐ Apartment ☐ House ☐ Condo ☐ Other: _______________
• Bedroom(s): __________
• Bathroom(s): __________

3. TERM.

☐ Standard Lease: Start Date: __________, End Date: __________.
☐ Month-to-Month Lease: Start Date: __________ Termination: __________ Days’ Notice

4. RENT.

Monthly: $__________
due on the __________ day of each month

5. SECURITY DEPOSIT

☐ None ☐ Deposit: $__________
returned within __________ days after lease end.

6. LATE FEE.

☐ None ☐ Fixed: $__________ per ☐ occurrence ☐ day
☐ Interest: __________% per annum.

7. NSF FEE.

☐ None ☐ NSF Fee: $__________

8. EARLY MOVE-IN.

☐ None ☐ Date: __________
Prorated Rent: $__________

9. UTILITIES.

Landlord pays: ☐ None ☐
______________________________

10. PETS.

☐ None ☐ Allowed: __________ pets, Deposit: $__________

☐ refundable ☐ non-refundable.

11. SUBLETTING.

☐ Prohibited ☐ Allowed with Landlord’s consent.

12. NOTICES.

Landlord: ☐ Address in Section 1 ☐ ______________________________
Tenant: ☐ Property Address ☐ __________________________________

13. OTHER TERMS AND DISCLOSURES.

1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form and EPA Brochure
2. Bedbug Disclosure
3. Common Area Utilities
4. Energy Efficiency
5. Radon Disclosure
6. Tenant Rights (Portland Only)
7. Security Deposit Location
8. Smoking Policy

Additional Terms: _______________________________________________.

14. MOVE-IN INSPECTION.

☐ Not Required ☐ Move-In Inspection Required (document property condition at
move-in)

15. PARKING.

☐ None ☐ ____ Space(s) ☐ No Fee ☐ Fees: $________________________.

16. APPLIANCES.

Included: ☐ Refrigerator ☐ Stove/Oven ☐ Washer/Dryer ☐

Other: _____________________________________________________________

17. FURNISHINGS.

☐ Not Furnished ☐ Furnished: ☐ Bedroom ☐ Kitchen ☐ Living Room

☐ Other: __________________________________________________________.

18. RENTAL INSURANCE.

☐ Not Required ☐ Required: Minimum Coverage $______________________

19. SMOKING POLICY.

☐ No Smoking ☐ Smoking is Allowed

20. MAINTENANCE.

Landlord responsible for major repairs. Tenant responsible for minor repairs and
reporting damages immediately.

21. DEFAULT.

If Tenant defaults on rent or other terms, Landlord may terminate the lease and
take legal action.

22. TERMINATION.

☐ Lease terminates on end date unless renewed.
☐ Month-to-month with _____ days’ notice for termination.

23. DISPUTE RESOLUTION.

Any disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration.

24. MISCELLANEOUS.

Tenant cannot make alterations without Landlord’s consent. Both parties agree to
comply with local laws.

25. LANDORD RIGHT OF ENTRY.

Landlord may enter the property with __________ hours’ notice for
maintenance, inspections, or emergencies, in accordance with
Maine law.

26. RIGHT TO QUIET ENJOYMENT.

Tenant has the right to enjoy the property peacefully, without interference from
the Landlord or other tenants, provided local noise ordinances and property rules
are followed.

27. SALE OF PROPERTY NOTICE.

In the event the property is sold, the lease will transfer to the new owner, and
tenants will be notified of the new contact information.

28. MILITARY CLAUSE.

If the tenant is active military and receives orders to relocate or is deployed for
more than 90 days, they may terminate the lease without penalty, in line with the
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

29. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.

Tenant agrees not to store hazardous or flammable materials (e.g., gasoline,
fireworks) on the premises.

30. RESIDENTIAL USE ONLY.

The property is for residential use only. No business may be operated from the
premises without prior written consent from the Landlord.

31. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.

This document constitutes the entire lease agreement between the parties. No
other agreements, verbal or written, shall be binding unless included here or in
an addendum signed by both parties.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first
above written. Each Party warrants that they have the legal authority to enter into this
Agreement and have done so as their free act and deed.

SIGNATURES

Landlord Signature: ________________________ Date: _______________
Print Name: _________________________ Date: _______________
Tenant Signature: ________________________ Date: _______________
Print Name: _________________________ Date: _______________
Tenant Signature: ________________________ Date: _______________
Print Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

AMOUNT DUE AT SIGNING

First (1st) Month’s Rent: $____________________
Security Deposit: $____________________
Early Move-in (Proration Amount): $____________________
Pre-Payment of Rent: $____________________
Parking Fee: $____________________
Pet Deposit: $____________________
Total Amount Due: $____________________

Sample Maine Residential Lease Agreement PDF Template

Laws

Rental Application Fees ($)

Landlords can only charge one fee from the following list:

  • The background check fee
  • A credit check fee
  • Other screening fee [1]

Prohibited Areas in Maine

Landlords cannot charge potential Tenants application fees of any kind in the city of Portland. [2]

Disclosure of Criteria (Portland ONLY)

Landlords must give applicants the written criteria for tenancy approval before accepting their application.[3]

Multiple Fees

Landlords are only allowed to charge a screening fee once every 12-months.

Copies

All screening documents must be given to the Tenant.

Security Deposit Maximum Amount

Landlords can request up to two (2) months rent. [4]

Sources

  1. § 6030-H
  2. § 6-223.1(c)
  3. § 6-223.1(a)
  4. § 6032

Sample Maine Rental Application Form

PDF / Word / Excel / OpenDocument

https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MAINE-RENTAL-APPLICATION-TEMPLATE-1.pdf

Rental Application Form – this form is used by Landlords to get written consent for information about potential Tenants, such as background, job, income, and rental history.

Maine Lease Agreements By Type (6)

 

 

Alabama-Residential-Lease-Agreement-Template

 Maine Residential Lease Agreement – For residential rental properties with a standard 1-year lease term or more.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
 

Alabama-Commercial-Lease-Agreement

 Maine Commercial Lease Agreement

Download: PDF
 

Month-to-Month

 Maine Month-to-Month Lease Agreement

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
 

Rent-to-Own

 Maine Rent to Own Lease Agreement

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
 

Room-Rental-Lease-Agreement-Template

 Maine Room (Roommate) Rental Lease Agreement

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
 

Sublease-Agreement

 Maine Sublease Agreement Template – Used to sublet / rent unit with the Landlords written approval.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

What the Maine Residential Lease Agreement Form Covers?

This document includes the following subjects that pertain to the laws regarding the relationship between the landlord and tenant in Maine:

Maine Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act

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.

Security Deposit Law

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.

Lease Termination Rules for Landlord and Tenants

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.

Landlord’s Access to the Rental Property

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.

Due Dates and Late Rent Fees

Summary (§ 6028(1)): Late fees must be reasonable and stated in the rental agreement.
  • Grace Period – Fifteen (15) day grace period.
  • Notice to Quit – 7-day notice to quit.
  • Maximum – 4% of the monthly rent amount and must be written in the agreement form.
  • NSF Fee – Landlords have the right to charge a fee of 12% of the rent amount in the event of a bounced check.

Eviction Procedures and Notices

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.

Property Maintenance Requirements

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.

Required Disclosure Forms (8)

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

        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.

Sample Maine Standard Residential Lease Agreement Template

By Type

commercial-leaseCommercial Lease

short-term-leaseShort-Term (Vacation) Lease

sublease-agreementSublease Agreement

1-page-lease-agreement1-Page Lease

Maine Commercial Lease Agreement Template Sample

https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Maine-Standard-Commercial-Lease-Agreement-1.pdf

A Maine Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA) lets you choose someone to make healthcare decisions if you can’t. This person is called your agent. They can decide about your medical care, surgery, and end-of-life wishes.

Standard Power of Attorney Forms – PDF

Law Alert ⚖️

The Principal must be of “sound mind” when creating this form.

Maine Advance Health Care Directive Form Sample

https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/MAINE-ADVANCE-DIRECTIVE-MEDICAL-DURABLE-POWER-OF-ATTORNEY-FORM.pdf

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Maine residential purchase and sale agreement legally binds both the seller and buyer for transferring ownership of residential property for an agreed amount.

Seller’s Property Disclosure – State law requires the seller to disclose details about the property’s water supply, insulation, heating, waste disposal, defects, and any hazardous materials.

Source: § 173

Sample Maine Residential Purchase Agreement

https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Maine-Residential-Real-Estate-Purchase-Agreement-1.pdf

A Maine durable power of attorney allows a person to appoint another individual to control personal, financial, or medical matters if you are unable to do so, usually due to a medical condition.

Medical Power of Attorney Forms – PDF

Law Alert ⚖️

Maine Revised Statues – Title 18-C, Article 5 (9)

FAQs

poa-faqs

  1. Who can override a power of attorney in Maine? The principal as long as they still have a ‘sound mind.’
  2. Does the state of Maine have its own PDF version? Yes. The PDF is called the 2848-ME Form

Maine Power of Attorney Form Sample

https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Maine-durable-general-power-of-attorney-template.pdf

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