Maine Rental Lease Agreement Templates

Types (6)

Commercial

For renting commercially-zoned property to a retail, restaurant, office, industrial, or other business tenant.

Lease-to-Own

A rental agreement that includes an option for the tenant to purchase the leased property, with a portion of rent applied toward the purchase price.

Month-to-Month

A periodic tenancy that renews each month and can be terminated by either party with 30 days’ written notice.

Roommate

A document signed by individuals sharing a rental unit to set guidelines for rent, utilities, chores, guests, and common living areas.

Standard (Residential)

Used throughout Maine for residential rentals, this fixed-term lease typically runs 1 year and covers rent, deposits, and maintenance.

Sublease

Enables a current tenant to re-rent their unit to another person for the remainder of the lease term, with the landlord’s consent.

What is a Maine Lease Agreement?

A Maine lease agreement captures the terms of a tenancy so that both the landlord and tenant have a clear reference throughout the rental. It specifies the rent, duration of occupancy, maintenance duties, and conditions for ending the lease.

Maine provides a 15-day grace period before rent is considered late and caps late fees at 4% of the monthly rent. Landlords must return security deposits within 30 days of the tenant vacating and must maintain the property in habitable condition throughout the lease.

State Laws & Guides

Laws: Title 14, Ch. 710 – Rental Property

Guides:

• The Rights of Tenants in Maine (PDF)
• Landlord Handbook – Portland Housing Authority (PDF)
• Maine Rental Housing Guide (PDF)

When is Rent Due?

Maine does not specify a default rent due date by statute. The due date is set by the lease agreement. Rent is not considered late until 15 days after the due date, at which point the landlord may charge a late fee of up to 4% of the monthly rent.[1]

Landlord’s Access

Emergency: Landlords may enter the rental unit without notice in an emergency.[2]

Non-Emergency: Landlords must give reasonable notice before entering and may only do so at reasonable times. While no specific notice period is defined by statute, 24 hours is the recommended standard.[2]

Landlord’s Duties

Under Maine law, landlords must:[3]

• Building Codes: Comply with all applicable building and housing codes affecting health and safety.
• Habitability: Maintain the rental unit in a fit and habitable condition.
• Common Areas: Keep shared spaces clean and safe.
• Systems: Maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and sanitary systems in good working order.
• Running Water: Supply constant running water and reasonable amounts of hot water.
• Trash: Provide access to garbage removal or containers.

Tenant’s Duties

Tenants must comply with the following:[4]

• Building Codes: Comply with all applicable building and housing codes relating to health and safety.
• Cleanliness: Keep the rental unit reasonably clean and safe.
• Trash: Dispose of garbage and rubbish in a proper manner.
• Plumbing: Keep all plumbing fixtures as clean as their condition permits.
• Appliances & Systems: Use all facilities and appliances in the manner they are intended.
• Property Care: Do not deliberately or negligently damage the premises.
• Quiet Enjoyment: Do not disturb other tenants’ peaceful enjoyment of the property.

Required Disclosures

Bedbug History (§ 6021-A): Landlords must disclose to prospective tenants if a nearby unit is currently infested with or being treated for bedbugs.[5]

Energy Efficiency (§ 6030-C): Landlords must provide a residential energy efficiency disclosure statement to prospective tenants and to tenants who pay for their own electricity.[6]

Radon (§ 6030-D): Tenants may request radon testing of the rental unit. If no mitigation system is installed, the air must be tested every 10 years upon request.[7]

Smoking Policy (§ 6030-E): Landlords must provide a written smoking policy to both current and prospective tenants, identifying any areas where smoking is permitted.[8]

Security Deposit Account (§ 6038): Upon request, the landlord must disclose the name of the institution and account number where the security deposit is held.[9]

Lead-Based Paint: Required under federal law for all dwellings built before 1978. The landlord must disclose known lead hazards and provide the EPA information pamphlet.[10]

Security Deposits

Maximum Amount: The security deposit cannot exceed 2 months’ rent.[11]

Returning to Tenant: For written leases, the deposit must be returned within 30 days of the tenancy ending. For month-to-month tenancies, the return period is 21 days. If any portion is withheld, the landlord must provide an itemized list of deductions.[12]

Deposit Interest: Not required under Maine law.

Uses of the Deposit: Landlords may deduct for:[12]

• Unpaid rent
• Damage to the premises beyond normal wear and tear
• Other charges owed under the lease