A Maine standard residential lease agreement is a contract between a landlord and tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of a residential tenancy.
This agreement is typically signed after the landlord has verified the tenant’s employment and personal details through a rental application and approval process.
Lease Length Considerations
- Commonly for a 1-year period.
- The lease can be of any duration as long as the term is specified and agreed upon in writing by both the landlord and tenant.
- Oral leases are considered at will in Maine, which means they have only basic legal protections.
Required Lease Disclosures
- Radon Disclosure Form
- Bedbugs Infestation Disclosure
- Security Deposits
- Electricity to Common Areas
- Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
- Residential Energy Efficiency Disclosure Statement
- Smoking Policy
Our Maine lease agreement page provides additional details on necessary disclosures and related laws.
Security Deposit
- Maximum Amount ($): Two months’ rent [1] .
- Returning to Tenant: Within 30 days for written leases, but in case of tenancy at will, within 21 days [2] .
Rent Payment
- Grace Period: Tenants have a 15-day grace period to make their rent payments before any late fees or penalties can be charged [3] .
- Maximum Late Fee: A landlord is prohibited from imposing a late rent fee exceeding 4% of the monthly rental amount [4] .
- NSF Fee: A landlord is permitted to impose a 12% penalty on the rental amount in the event of a check being returned due to insufficient funds [5] .
Landlord Resources
- Landlord-Tenant Laws – Title 14, Chapter 170 (Rental Property)
- Handbook – The Rights of Tenants in Maine
