Tenant Rights in Maine

Security Deposits

• Maximum amount2 months' rent.
• Return deadline30 days after the tenancy ends (or 21 days if the tenancy is terminated due to domestic violence).

Landlord may deduct for unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and other charges authorized by statute or the rental agreement. Must provide an itemized statement.

Eviction Process

• Notice requirements7-day notice for nonpayment of rent. 7-day notice for material lease violations. 30-day notice for termination of at-will (month-to-month) tenancy.
• Judicial eviction requiredYes
• Estimated timeline4 to 8 weeks for uncontested cases.

Rent Control

Maine does not have statewide rent control, but Portland enacted a rent control ordinance in 2020 (currently in effect). Other municipalities may also adopt local rent stabilization measures.

Repair and Habitability

• Repair and deductAllowed
• Rent withholdingAllowed
• Retaliation protectionYes

Lease Termination

• Month-to-month notice30 days' written notice by either party.

Tenant may be liable for remaining rent. Landlord must make reasonable efforts to re-rent. Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may terminate early with proper documentation. Military members may terminate under the SCRA.

Key Statutes

• Maine Residential Landlord-Tenant Law: 14 M.R.S.A. §§ 6001–6046
• Security Deposits: 14 M.R.S.A. § 6031 to 6038
• Implied Warranty of Habitability: 14 M.R.S.A. § 6021
• Retaliation: 14 M.R.S.A. § 6001(3)

When to Get Legal Help

• You're facing eviction, especially with short notice
• Your landlord is withholding a large security deposit
• You believe you're being discriminated against
• Your unit has serious habitability issues the landlord refuses to fix

Find free legal aid in Maine

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the security deposit limit in Maine?

  Maine limits security deposits to 2 months' rent. The landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenancy ends, with an itemized statement of any deductions.

• Can I withhold rent for repairs in Maine?

  Yes. Maine law allows tenants to withhold rent or use repair-and-deduct if the landlord fails to maintain the premises in compliance with the warranty of habitability after proper notice.

• Does Maine have rent control?

  Maine does not have statewide rent control, but Portland has a local rent control ordinance. Other municipalities may enact their own measures, as Maine does not preempt local rent regulation.

• How much notice does a landlord need to give to end a month-to-month tenancy in Maine?

  A landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice to terminate an at-will (month-to-month) tenancy in Maine.

Sources

• Maine Revised Statutes Title 14, Chapter 710 - Landlord and Tenant