A Maine rental agreement or lease agreement is a contract between a landlord and a tenant for the use of a rental property. This form defines the length of the lease term and the amount of rent owed each month. Additionally, Maine lease agreements outline the responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant(s), and the consequences of and solutions to potential problems. Lease agreements are governed by the specific landlord-tenant laws of Maine.
1. What to Include in a Maine Residential Lease Agreement
Landlords in all states, including Maine, are required by Federal law to include essential details in their rental/lease agreements, specifically:
- Tenant/Landlord Details: names and current addresses of both the tenant and landlord
- Premises: the address of the premises being rented
- Pets: whether pets are allowed, and any other pet-related rules
- Health Hazards: any known health hazards or risks
- Rent Specifics: the amount of rent and security deposit due, and payment dates and methods
States differ in their leasing and rental requirements. Familiarize yourself with Maine’s landlord-tenant laws to protect your legal and financial rights.
2. Maine Landlord and Tenant Laws
Maine has specific regulations for landlords and tenants entering into a lease agreement. Some major regulations are as follows:
Relevant Laws:
Maine Revised Statutes Title 14, Chapter 709
Security Deposit:
- A landlord may collect up to two month’s rent from a tenant as a security deposit. (Chapter 710-A)
- A landlord must return a tenant’s security deposit within thirty days of the end of the lease. (Chapter 710-A)
Landlord Right of Entry:
A landlord must provide at least one day’s advance notice to a tenant before entering the rental property. (Chapter 710, Title 14 § 6025)