Maine Landlord-Tenant Law Guide
Maine has strong tenant protection laws with comprehensive regulations for security deposits, property maintenance, and lease procedures. The state provides detailed requirements for rental agreements and evictions.
Security Deposit
Limit: 2 months' rent for security deposits.
Return Period: 30 days after termination of tenancy, or within 21 days if tenancy is at will. Must provide itemized statement of damages.
Rent Increases
45 days notice required for month-to-month tenancies. Must follow lease terms for fixed-term leases.
Entry Notice
24 hours notice required for entry, except in emergencies.
Key Statutes
- Maine Revised Statutes Title 14 §6033 - Security Deposits
- Maine Revised Statutes Title 14 §6021 - Landlord Obligations
- Maine Revised Statutes Title 14 §6025 - Right of Entry
- Maine Revised Statutes Title 14 §6001 - Eviction Process
Common Issues
- Not returning deposits within required timeframe
- Charging deposits above 2 months
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Documents for Maine
- Maine security deposit demand letter ($19, cites 14 M.R.S. §§ 6033, 6034)
Does this statute apply to you? 14 M.R.S. § 6037 exempts owner-occupied small buildings from the whole security deposit chapter: “This chapter shall not apply to any tenancy for a dwelling unit which is part of a structure containing no more than 5 dwelling units, one of which is occupied by the landlord.” Section 6037(1) separately exempts a lessor who is a mortgagor under a federally insured or guaranteed mortgage, where the chapter conflicts with the mortgage terms. Where either exemption applies, neither the 30-day return of § 6033 nor the double-damages remedy of § 6034 is available.