Maine Rental Lease Laws: What Your Lease Can and Can't Say
Everything below is generated from our Maine law database — the same statute-backed rules our analyzer uses to check leases. Prohibited clauses and required disclosures include their statute citations.
Educational information: this page summarizes Maine landlord-tenant law for renters. It is not legal advice. Laws change — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.
Maine lease rules at a glance
| Security deposit limit | 2 months' rent (most tenancies) |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 21–30 days |
| Interest on deposits | not required |
| Landlord entry notice | 24 hours typical ("reasonable notice" standard) |
| Late fee cap | 4% of monthly rent |
| Rent grace period | 15 days |
| Prohibited lease clauses | 4 clause types restricted |
| Required disclosures | 4 disclosures required |
Maine lease law guides
- Maine Security Deposit Limit2 months' rent (most tenancies)
- Maine Deposit Return Deadline21–30 days
- Maine Deposit Interest Rulesno interest required
- Maine Landlord Entry Notice24 hours typical ("reasonable notice" standard)
- Maine Late Fee Laws4% of monthly rent
- Maine Rent Grace Period15 days
- Maine Prohibited Lease Clauses4 restricted clause types
- Maine Required Disclosures4 required disclosures
Lease clauses restricted under Maine law
- Waiver of implied warranty of habitabilityLikely Illegal
- Waiver of tenant rightsLikely Illegal
- Confession of judgment clauseLikely Illegal
All 4 prohibited clause types in Maine, with statute citations →
Disclosures Maine landlords must provide
- Lead Paint
- Radon
- Energy Efficiency
All 4 required disclosures in Maine, explained with citations →
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Maine lease law FAQ
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maine?
- Maine generally limits security deposits to 2 months' rent (most tenancies). Conditions can apply — see the Maine security deposit limit guide for details.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maine?
- Generally 21–30 days after move-out. Conditions can apply — see the Maine deposit return deadline guide for details.
- Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in Maine?
- No statewide statute requires it in Maine, though local ordinances or your lease can add the obligation. Conditions can apply — see the Maine deposit interest rules guide for details.
- How much notice does a landlord need to enter my apartment in Maine?
- Maine requires "reasonable notice" rather than a fixed hour minimum — 24 hours is the typical interpretation. Conditions can apply — see the Maine landlord entry notice guide for details.
- Is there a limit on late fees in Maine?
- Yes — late fees are generally capped at 4% of monthly rent. Conditions can apply — see the Maine late fee laws guide for details.
- How many days late can rent be before fees in Maine?
- Maine generally provides a 15-day grace period before late fees. Conditions can apply — see the Maine rent grace period guide for details.
- What lease clauses are illegal in Maine?
- Maine law restricts 4 clause types tracked in our database, such as: waiver of implied warranty of habitability; waiver of tenant rights; confession of judgment clause.
- What disclosures must a landlord provide in Maine?
- Maine requires: Lead Paint (Disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards for housing built before 1978); Radon (Radon disclosure and pamphlet required); Energy Efficiency (Disclosure of energy efficiency information); Bed Bugs (Disclosure of known bed bug infestations in past 5 years).
More renter resources
Sources: state statutes cited above. Data last updated 2024-01-01. Educational information only — not legal advice.