Maine · Renters' rights · Updated Oct 2026
Maine tenant rights
Security deposits, repairs, landlord entry, notices and evictions in Maine, in plain English from official sources, with free tools to get your deposit back and ask for repairs.
Guides for Maine renters
Security deposit
Limit, deadline, deductions, penalty and the calculator.
Repairs
The landlord's duty, repair and deduct, withholding rent and a repair letter.
Eviction
Notice periods, court deadlines, illegal lockouts and a timeline tool.
Security deposit in Maine
- Limit
- two months' rent
- Deadline to return it
- With a written lease: within the time the lease says, but no more than 30 days. With a tenancy at will (no written lease): within 21 days after the tenancy ends or you hand back the home, whichever is later. The landlord may mail the refund and statement to your last known address, so give a forwarding address.
- Itemized list
- Yes. If the landlord keeps any part, it must send a written statement listing the reasons, together with the rest of the deposit, within the same deadline. Receipts are not required by the statute.
- What may be deducted
- Unpaid rent, unpaid utility charges you owed the landlord directly, costs of storing and disposing of property you left behind, and damage beyond normal wear and tear (for example from negligence, carelessness, accident or abuse). Normal wear and tear may not be charged.
- Interest
- no
- Separate account
- Yes. The deposit may not be mixed with the landlord's money and must be held in a bank account protected from the landlord's creditors. On request, the landlord must tell you the bank and account number. If the landlord breaks this rule, you can recover actual damages, $500 or one month's rent, whichever is greatest, plus costs and possibly attorney's fees (14 M.R.S. §6038).
- If the landlord keeps it wrongly
- If the landlord misses the deadline for the statement or refund, it loses the right to keep any part of the deposit. Before suing, send the landlord written notice that you intend to sue at least 7 days before filing; if the landlord still does not return the whole deposit, it is presumed to be wrongfully keeping it. Wrongful keeping makes the landlord liable for double the amount wrongly withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs. The landlord has the burden of proof.
How to get your deposit back
- Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
- Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Maine: The landlord may mail the refund and statement to your last known address, so give a forwarding address.
- Wait for the deadline: With a written lease: within the time the lease says, but no more than 30 days.
- If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
- If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $10,000 since January 1, 2026. Small claims court in Maine on Small Claims Map
Repairs in Maine
- The landlord's duty
- Every rental carries an implied warranty that the home is fit for human habitation. The landlord may not keep or allow any condition that endangers or materially impairs your health or safety. Since 2025, renting out a unit with a leak, chronic moisture or humidity causing mold is a breach of the warranty (14 M.R.S. §§6021, 6026).
- How to ask for repairs
- Give the landlord written notice of the problem without unreasonable delay (for repair-and-deduct, by certified mail, return receipt requested). The landlord has 14 days for repair-and-deduct; for a court complaint, the landlord must have unreasonably failed to take prompt steps.
- Repair and deduct
- Allowed for dangerous conditions costing less than $500 or half a month's rent, whichever is greater. Send written notice of your intent to fix the problem at the landlord's cost by certified mail, return receipt requested. If the landlord does not fix it within 14 days (or sooner in an emergency), you may have it done professionally (licensed trades for electrical, oil burner and plumbing work), give the landlord an itemized statement, and deduct the cost from rent. You cannot charge for your own labor. Not available if you caused the problem, denied access, or extreme weather prevents the repair, and does not apply in owner-occupied buildings of 5 or fewer units (14 M.R.S. §6026).
- Withholding rent
- Not allowed on your own. Two court routes: (1) If the home is unfit and you were current on rent when you gave written notice, you can file a complaint in District or Superior Court; the court can order repairs, lower the rent to the home's fair value from the date the landlord got notice, and refund overpaid rent (14 M.R.S. §6021). (2) If you are sued for eviction for unpaid rent, you can raise the landlord's breach of the warranty of habitability as a defense, if the landlord knew of the problem and unreasonably failed to fix it and you did not cause it; the court can let you end the lease or keep it at a reduced rent (14 M.R.S. §6002(3)).
- Law
- 14 M.R.S. §§6002(3), 6021, 6026
Landlord entry in Maine
Reasonable notice and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or when notice is impracticable; 24 hours is presumed reasonable. If the landlord enters illegally or harasses you with repeated entry demands, you can recover actual damages or $250, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees if you win after a contested hearing (14 M.R.S. §6025).
Eviction in Maine
- Notice for unpaid rent
- Tenancy at will: a written 7-day notice once you are 7 or more days behind on rent. If you pay all the rent due before the 7 days run out, the notice is void. Even after the case is filed, you can stop the eviction by paying all back rent, rent due to date and the landlord's filing and service fees before the writ of possession issues (14 M.R.S. §§6002, 6005). With a written lease, the lease terms apply; if the lease is silent, §6002 applies.
- Notice for a lease violation
- Tenancy at will: a 7-day notice for substantial damage, nuisance, making the home unfit, violence or threats, or unauthorized occupants; otherwise a 30-day notice (14 M.R.S. §6002). Lease tenants: as the lease provides.
- Ending a month-to-month tenancy
- At least 30 days' written notice from either side. The notice must tell you that you have the right to contest the termination in court (14 M.R.S. §6002).
- Time to respond to an eviction lawsuit
- The eviction (forcible entry and detainer) summons gives a court date; go to it. The court can refer the case to mediation. If the landlord wins, the writ of possession issues 7 calendar days after judgment (14 M.R.S. §6005). No answer deadline is set in the statute.
- Lockouts and utility shutoffs
- Yes. Evictions without court process are illegal, including cutting utilities, locking you out, or holding your belongings. You can recover actual damages or $250, whichever is greater, plus costs and attorney's fees (14 M.R.S. §6014).
- Court self-help
- The court's eviction self-help page
- Law
- 14 M.R.S. §§6001-6005, 6014
Rent increases and rent control in Maine
- Notice of a rent increase
- At least 45 days' written notice for any rent or mandatory recurring fee increase; at least 75 days' notice if the increase (alone or added to others in 12 months) is 10% or more, with exceptions for some subsidized or deed-restricted housing. Rent may not be increased while the home violates the warranty of habitability (14 M.R.S. §§6015, 6016).
- Rent control
- No statewide rent cap. Local rent control exists in Portland (city ordinance).
Late fees in Maine
Rent is late only if not paid within 15 days of the due date. The late fee may not exceed 4% of one month's rent, and only if you were told in writing when you signed the rental agreement (14 M.R.S. §6028).
Retaliation in Maine
In an eviction case, it is presumed to be retaliation if within 6 months before the case you: complained in good faith to a code agency, asked the landlord in writing for repairs, asserted your rights about rent increase notice or habitability, filed a fair housing complaint, told the landlord you are a domestic violence victim, or reported sexual harassment. The presumption does not apply to 7-day-notice evictions or lease-violation cases unless you show more (14 M.R.S. §6001(3)).
Small claims court in Maine
Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer.
Limit: $10,000 since January 1, 2026.
Where to get free help in Maine
Good to know in Maine
- Deposit rules (§§6031-6038) and repair-and-deduct (§6026) do not apply in owner-occupied buildings with 5 or fewer units.
- At move-in, a landlord may not demand more than first month's rent, a deposit of up to 2 months' rent, and properly disclosed mandatory recurring fees (14 M.R.S. §6022-A). Application fees are banned except the actual cost of one background, credit or screening check, and you must get a copy of the report (§6030-H).
- Landlords must give you a written disclosure of total costs (rent, mandatory and optional fees, utilities) before you sign (14 M.R.S. §6030-J).
Recent law changes
PL 2023 c. 594 (effective 2024) added total-price disclosure (§6030-J), optional recurring fee rules (§6030-I), a cap on move-in payments (§6022-A) and extended the 45-day notice to mandatory recurring fee increases (§6015). PL 2023 c. 388 added the 75-day notice for increases of 10% or more. PL 2023 c. 346 restricted application fees (§6030-H). PL 2025 c. 515 made leaks and chronic moisture causing mold a breach of the habitability warranty (§6021). PL 2025 c. 767 amended the entry-remedy rules in §6025.
Free tools for Maine renters
Pre-set for Maine. They run in your browser and send nothing.
Deposit return calculator for Maine
Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Security deposit demand letter for Maine
A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.
Repair request letter for Maine
Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.
Eviction notice timeline for Maine
Got a notice from your landlord? Enter the kind of notice and the day you got it to see the dates that follow from your state's rule, what your landlord may not do, and where to get free help fast.
This is not legal advice. Eviction deadlines are short and missing one can cost you your home. Read your notice carefully and contact legal aid or your court's self-help center right away.
Questions about renters' rights in Maine
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maine?
two months' rent
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maine?
With a written lease: within the time the lease says, but no more than 30 days. With a tenancy at will (no written lease): within 21 days after the tenancy ends or you hand back the home, whichever is later. The landlord may mail the refund and statement to your last known address, so give a forwarding address.
What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Maine?
If the landlord misses the deadline for the statement or refund, it loses the right to keep any part of the deposit. Before suing, send the landlord written notice that you intend to sue at least 7 days before filing; if the landlord still does not return the whole deposit, it is presumed to be wrongfully keeping it. Wrongful keeping makes the landlord liable for double the amount wrongly withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs. The landlord has the burden of proof.
What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Maine?
Unpaid rent, unpaid utility charges you owed the landlord directly, costs of storing and disposing of property you left behind, and damage beyond normal wear and tear (for example from negligence, carelessness, accident or abuse). Normal wear and tear may not be charged.
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Maine?
no
How do I ask my landlord for repairs in Maine?
Give the landlord written notice of the problem without unreasonable delay (for repair-and-deduct, by certified mail, return receipt requested). The landlord has 14 days for repair-and-deduct; for a court complaint, the landlord must have unreasonably failed to take prompt steps.
Can I repair and deduct the cost from rent in Maine?
Allowed for dangerous conditions costing less than $500 or half a month's rent, whichever is greater. Send written notice of your intent to fix the problem at the landlord's cost by certified mail, return receipt requested. If the landlord does not fix it within 14 days (or sooner in an emergency), you may have it done professionally (licensed trades for electrical, oil burner and plumbing work), give the landlord an itemized statement, and deduct the cost from rent. You cannot charge for your own labor. Not available if you caused the problem, denied access, or extreme weather prevents the repair, and does not apply in owner-occupied buildings of 5 or fewer units (14 M.R.S. §6026).
Can I withhold rent for repairs in Maine?
Not allowed on your own. Two court routes: (1) If the home is unfit and you were current on rent when you gave written notice, you can file a complaint in District or Superior Court; the court can order repairs, lower the rent to the home's fair value from the date the landlord got notice, and refund overpaid rent (14 M.R.S. §6021). (2) If you are sued for eviction for unpaid rent, you can raise the landlord's breach of the warranty of habitability as a defense, if the landlord knew of the problem and unreasonably failed to fix it and you did not cause it; the court can let you end the lease or keep it at a reduced rent (14 M.R.S. §6002(3)).
How much notice does a landlord need to enter in Maine?
Reasonable notice and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or when notice is impracticable; 24 hours is presumed reasonable. If the landlord enters illegally or harasses you with repeated entry demands, you can recover actual damages or $250, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees if you win after a contested hearing (14 M.R.S. §6025).
How much notice does a landlord have to give for unpaid rent in Maine?
Tenancy at will: a written 7-day notice once you are 7 or more days behind on rent. If you pay all the rent due before the 7 days run out, the notice is void. Even after the case is filed, you can stop the eviction by paying all back rent, rent due to date and the landlord's filing and service fees before the writ of possession issues (14 M.R.S. §§6002, 6005). With a written lease, the lease terms apply; if the lease is silent, §6002 applies.
How much notice for a lease violation in Maine?
Tenancy at will: a 7-day notice for substantial damage, nuisance, making the home unfit, violence or threats, or unauthorized occupants; otherwise a 30-day notice (14 M.R.S. §6002). Lease tenants: as the lease provides.
How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month lease in Maine?
At least 30 days' written notice from either side. The notice must tell you that you have the right to contest the termination in court (14 M.R.S. §6002).
How long do I have to respond to an eviction lawsuit in Maine?
The eviction (forcible entry and detainer) summons gives a court date; go to it. The court can refer the case to mediation. If the landlord wins, the writ of possession issues 7 calendar days after judgment (14 M.R.S. §6005). No answer deadline is set in the statute.
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Maine?
Yes. Evictions without court process are illegal, including cutting utilities, locking you out, or holding your belongings. You can recover actual damages or $250, whichever is greater, plus costs and attorney's fees (14 M.R.S. §6014).
How much notice is needed for a rent increase in Maine?
At least 45 days' written notice for any rent or mandatory recurring fee increase; at least 75 days' notice if the increase (alone or added to others in 12 months) is 10% or more, with exceptions for some subsidized or deed-restricted housing. Rent may not be increased while the home violates the warranty of habitability (14 M.R.S. §§6015, 6016).
Is there rent control in Maine?
No statewide rent cap. Local rent control exists in Portland (city ordinance).
Is there a limit on late fees in Maine?
Rent is late only if not paid within 15 days of the due date. The late fee may not exceed 4% of one month's rent, and only if you were told in writing when you signed the rental agreement (14 M.R.S. §6028).
Can my landlord retaliate if I complain in Maine?
In an eviction case, it is presumed to be retaliation if within 6 months before the case you: complained in good faith to a code agency, asked the landlord in writing for repairs, asserted your rights about rent increase notice or habitability, filed a fair housing complaint, told the landlord you are a domestic violence victim, or reported sexual harassment. The presumption does not apply to 7-day-notice evictions or lease-violation cases unless you show more (14 M.R.S. §6001(3)).
What is the small claims limit in Maine?
$10,000 since January 1, 2026.
- 14 M.R.S. §§6031-6038
- 14 M.R.S. §6034 Wrongful retention; damages
- 14 M.R.S. §6002 Tenancy at will
- 14 M.R.S. §6015 Notice of rent or mandatory recurring fee increase
- 14 M.R.S. §6026 Dangerous conditions requiring minor repairs
- 14 M.R.S. §6028 Penalties for late payment of rent
- Maine Judicial Branch: Eviction
- Pine Tree Legal Assistance: Rental housing
Last checked: Oct 2026.