Landlord Rules in Maine: Renting Out Property (2026)

Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Maine · Last updated 2026-05-18

Owning rental property in Maine is governed end-to-end by Maine law. The state sets a deposit refund clock (In the case of a written rental agreement, within the time, not to exceed 30 days, stated.), an entry-notice minimum (24 hours), and a month-to-month termination notice ((see state code)) that all sit on top of federal fair-housing rules. This guide walks the Maine-specific obligations in order.

Key Considerations

Maine layers its landlord rules in a particular order. Registration sits at the top: No state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable. The security-deposit rules sit just below it. not require a security deposit equivalent to more than the rent for 2 months As for returning that deposit, In the case of a written rental agreement, within the time, not to exceed 30 days, stated in the agreement; and.In the case of a tenancy at will, within 21 days after the termination of the tenancy or the surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever occurs later.

The eviction sequence in Maine starts with statutory notice and ends in court. The eviction process in Maine is called a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) action. In most cases, it begins with the landlord serving the tenant a 'Notice to Quit.' If the tenant does not vacate, the landlord files a 'Residential Complaint for Forcible Entry and Detainer' and obtains a 'Forcible Entry and Detainer Summons' from the court clerk. The tenant must be served with these documents. A hearing is scheduled where both parties can present their case. If the landlord is successful, the court will issue a judgment and eventually a 'Writ of Possession,' which allows law enforcement to remove the tenant. Outside that sequence, fair-housing law applies to advertising, screening, terms, and termination. The complaint URL is published by the state

Mid-tenancy compliance in Maine is mostly about advance notice. For non-emergency entry, 24 hours For ending a month-to-month, (consult the state code)

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Residential Lease Agreement Rental Application Form Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist

Relevant Documents

Documents a Maine landlord typically uses include a state-specific residential lease, the state's required disclosure attachments, an entry-notice form keyed to the statute, a deposit-itemization form matching the return deadline, and the pre-suit eviction notice format the state requires.

Landlord's Rules and Regulations

A supplementary document to the lease that outlines specific rules for the property, such as quiet hours, guest policies, and maintenance responsibilities.

Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist

A document that records the condition of the rental property before the tenant moves in and after they move out, which helps determine if any damage occurred during the tenancy.

Notice of Entry Form

A document used by landlords to notify tenants of their intent to enter the rental property, typically required by state law with specific advance notice periods.

Rental Application Form

A form used to collect information about potential tenants, including employment history, income, references, and authorization for background and credit checks.

Residential Lease Agreement

A legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement, including rent amount, security deposit, lease duration, and other important provisions.

Security Deposit Receipt

A document acknowledging the landlord's receipt of the security deposit, including the amount, date received, and where the deposit will be held.

Relevant Laws

Maine Landlord-Tenant Law (Title 14, Chapter 710)

This is Maine's primary landlord-tenant law that governs rental agreements, security deposits, and the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. As a landlord in Maine, you must follow these regulations regarding security deposits (limited to two months' rent), proper notice periods for entry (24 hours), and specific procedures for lease termination.

Maine Security Deposit Law (Title 14, §6033-6038)

These laws specifically regulate how security deposits must be handled in Maine. As a landlord, you must return security deposits within 30 days for tenants with written rental agreements or 21 days for tenants at will. You must also provide itemized lists of any deductions and cannot use security deposits for normal wear and tear.

Maine Human Rights Act

This law prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, or familial status. As a landlord in Maine, you must ensure your tenant screening and rental practices comply with these fair housing requirements.

Maine Lead Poisoning Prevention Law

If your rental property was built before 1978, you must disclose any known lead-based paint hazards to tenants before they sign a lease. This law requires specific disclosures and documentation to protect tenants from lead exposure, particularly important for properties that may house children.

Maine Warranty of Habitability (Title 14, §6021)

This law requires that all rental units be fit for human habitation, including proper heat, plumbing, electricity, and structural integrity. As a landlord, you must maintain these standards throughout the tenancy or face potential legal consequences including rent withholding by tenants.

Maine Eviction Laws (Title 14, §6001-6017)

These laws outline the specific legal process for evicting tenants in Maine, including required notice periods (7-30 days depending on circumstances), filing procedures, and court processes. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, etc.) are illegal in Maine and can result in penalties for landlords.

Maine Radon Testing Requirements

Maine law requires landlords to test rental properties for radon every 10 years and disclose test results to tenants. As a landlord, you must conduct testing through a certified radon professional and mitigate if levels exceed EPA guidelines.

Regional Variances

Southern Maine

Portland has stricter rental regulations than most of Maine, including a rent control ordinance that limits annual rent increases to 70% of CPI (Consumer Price Index) plus approved property tax rate adjustments. The city also requires landlords to register rental units annually and pay a fee per unit. Short-term rentals face additional restrictions, with non-owner occupied units being severely limited.

South Portland has enacted ordinances restricting short-term rentals, particularly non-owner occupied properties. The city requires rental registration and inspections for all rental units. South Portland also has tenant protection ordinances requiring 75 days' notice for rent increases.

Central Maine

Augusta follows state landlord-tenant laws without significant additional restrictions. The city does require rental properties to be registered and meet basic safety codes. Augusta has fewer restrictions on short-term rentals compared to coastal communities.

Bangor requires rental property registration and regular safety inspections. The city has a housing committee that addresses tenant complaints. Bangor has implemented a rental housing safety program that requires periodic inspections of rental units.

Coastal Maine

Bar Harbor has strict short-term rental regulations due to tourism impacts. The town requires annual registration, limits the number of short-term rental permits, and has different rules for owner-occupied versus non-owner occupied properties. These regulations are designed to preserve housing for year-round residents.

Camden has implemented short-term rental ordinances requiring registration and limiting the number of non-owner occupied short-term rentals. The town has specific zoning requirements for rental properties and requires compliance with safety codes that may be more stringent than state requirements.

Suggested Compliance Checklist

Resolve the registration question before advertising the unit

Before listing days after starting

No state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable.

Set the security deposit within the statutory cap and hold the funds correctly

Before signing days after starting

not require a security deposit equivalent to more than the rent for 2 months

Issue the required disclosures and keep a signed acknowledgment

At lease signing days after starting

(consult the state code)

Treat eviction as a strict statutory process, not a self-help action

Ongoing days after starting

The eviction process in Maine is called a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) action. In most cases, it begins with the landlord serving the tenant a 'Notice to Quit.' If the tenant does not vacate, the landlord files a 'Residential Complaint for Forcible Entry and Detainer' and obtains a 'Forcible Entry and Detainer Summons' from the court clerk. The tenant must be served with these documents. A hearing is scheduled where both parties can present their case. If the landlord is successful, the court will issue a judgment and eventually a 'Writ of Possession,' which allows law enforcement to remove the tenant.

Issue the itemized deposit accounting on or before the deadline

As needed days after starting

In the case of a written rental agreement, within the time, not to exceed 30 days, stated in the agreement; and.In the case of a tenancy at will, within 21 days after the termination of the tenancy or the surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever occurs later.

Match the month-to-month termination notice to the statutory minimum

At move-out days after starting