Landlord Tenant Laws in Maine (ME)
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Maine's landlord-tenant laws are governed by Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 6001 et seq.. The state receives a tenant-friendliness grade of B (Tenant-Friendly) based on deposit protections, eviction procedures, rent control status, habitability standards, and available tenant remedies. Maine allows municipalities to enact rent control (Portland has rent stabilization). Tenants have strong protections including rent escrow for habitability issues. Deposits must be held in a separate account.
Security Deposit Rules in Maine
Maine limits security deposits to 2 months' rent. This cap helps ensure that tenants are not burdened with excessive upfront costs when renting a home. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant vacates, typically with an itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Process in Maine
In Maine, a landlord must provide 7 days' written notice before filing for eviction based on nonpayment of rent. This is a moderate notice period that balances the landlord's need for timely payment with the tenant's need for reasonable time to respond. For month-to-month tenancies, 30 days' notice is required to end the tenancy. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Maine.
Tenant Rights in Maine
Tenants in Maine have robust remedies when landlords fail to maintain habitable conditions. Both rent withholding and repair-and-deduct are available, giving tenants meaningful leverage to compel necessary repairs. However, tenants must follow the proper legal procedure — typically providing written notice and allowing the landlord a reasonable time to make repairs — before exercising these remedies.
Rent Control in Maine
Maine allows individual cities and municipalities to adopt their own rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. This means tenant protections can vary significantly depending on where you live within the state. Check your local city ordinances for specific rent control provisions.
Landlord Obligations in Maine
Landlords in Maine are generally required to:
- Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- Maintain common areas in a clean and safe condition
- Keep electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems in good working order
- Provide and maintain appropriate trash receptacles
- Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water
- Provide 1 day notice before entering the rental unit (except emergencies)
- Return security deposits within 30 days with an itemized statement of deductions
- Follow proper legal procedures for eviction (no self-help evictions)
City-Specific Landlord-Tenant Information in Maine
Many cities in Maine have additional local ordinances or practices that affect landlord-tenant relationships. Below are notes for 3 major cities.
Portland
Portland enacted rent stabilization in 2020 (capping annual increases). Just cause eviction required. Additional tenant protections beyond state law.
Lewiston
Follows state law without local additions.
Bangor
No additional local tenant protections beyond Maine state law.
Tenant-Friendliness Score Breakdown
Our scoring system evaluates each state across six categories of tenant protection. Maine scores 67 out of 100, earning a grade of B (Tenant-Friendly).
How Maine Compares
Below is a comparison of Maine with five states that have similar tenant-friendliness scores. This can help you understand where Maine falls on the spectrum of tenant protections nationwide.
| State | Score | Grade | Deposit Limit | Eviction Notice | Rent Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine (ME) | 67 | B | 2 months' rent | 7 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| Rhode Island (RI) | 67 | B | 1 month's rent | 5 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Minnesota (MN) | 66 | B | No statutory limit | 14 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| Maryland (MD) | 69 | B | 2 months' rent | 10 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| Washington (WA) | 65 | B | No statutory limit | 14 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Massachusetts (MA) | 71 | B | 1 month's rent | 14 days | Rent Control Preempted |
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Landlord-Tenant Laws
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maine?
In Maine, the security deposit limit is 2 months' rent. The landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
How many days notice before eviction in Maine?
For nonpayment of rent, Maine requires 7 days notice before a landlord can file for eviction. For lease termination without cause, 30 days notice is typically required. The actual court process takes additional time.
Can I withhold rent in Maine if my landlord won't make repairs?
Yes, Maine allows tenants to withhold rent for habitability issues after providing written notice and allowing reasonable time for repairs.
Does Maine have rent control?
Maine allows local municipalities to enact rent control. Check with your city for local rules.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering in Maine?
Landlords in Maine must give 1 day notice before entering, except in emergencies.
Relevant Statutes
The landlord-tenant laws of Maine are primarily found in Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 6001 et seq.. These statutes cover security deposits, lease requirements, eviction procedures, landlord obligations, and tenant remedies. For the most current version of the law, consult your state legislature's website or a qualified attorney.
Explore More States
Use our landlord-tenant law lookup tool to quickly find laws for any state, or browse all 50 states compared side-by-side. Remember that local city ordinances may provide additional protections beyond what state law requires.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance on your specific situation.