Laws by state / Maine

Maine landlord and tenant rules

The figures that decide most disputes between Maine landlords and tenants, each with a calculator and the statute behind it.

Verified against the statutes 2026-10-22By RentByState Research

Rule	Maine	Statute	Tool
Maximum security deposit	2 months' rent	14 M.R.S. § 6032; § 6033	Deposit rules
Deposit return deadline	Within the time stated in a written lease, not to exceed 30 days after termination; 21 days for a tenancy at will (measured from termination or surrender and acceptance, whichever is later).	14 M.R.S. § 6032; § 6033	Deposit rules
Interest on the deposit	Not required	14 M.R.S. § 6032; § 6033
Maximum late fee	4% of monthly rent after a 15-day grace period	14 M.R.S. § 6028	Late fee calculator
Landlord notice, month-to-month	30 days	14 M.R.S. § 6002; § 6015	Notice calculator
Tenant notice, month-to-month	30 days	14 M.R.S. § 6002; § 6015	Notice calculator
Rent increase notice	45 days	14 M.R.S. § 6002; § 6015	Notice calculator
Pay-or-quit notice	7 days	14 M.R.S. § 6002; § 6015	Notice calculator
Rent increase cap	Portland, Maine rent control	Portland City Code Chapter 6, Article IX (Rent Control)	Portland, Maine rent control calculator

Security deposits in Maine

Maine limits security deposits to 2 months' rent. The deposit must be returned within the time stated in a written lease, not to exceed 30 days after termination; 21 days for a tenancy at will (measured from termination or surrender and acceptance, whichever is later)., with an itemised list of any deductions. No interest is owed on the deposit under state law. Landlord who misses the deadline forfeits the right to withhold any portion (§ 6033). No interest requirement. Deposit must be kept in a separate account (§ 6038 - not read in this pass). Cap excludes certain subsidized/specialty housing exceptions not reviewed here. Full deposit rules and move-out checklist.

Late fees in Maine

Maine caps late fees at 4% of the monthly rent. Rent must be at least 15 days late before any fee may be charged. Calculate the maximum fee.

Notice periods in Maine

A Maine landlord must give 30 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy, and the tenant must give the same. A rent increase needs 45 days’ notice. For nonpayment, the landlord must serve a 7-day notice to pay or quit before filing for eviction. Calculate the effective date of a notice.

Rent increase limits in Maine

Portland, Maine rent control: 70% of the annual change in the Boston-area CPI, set each year for 1 September to 31 August, plus banked increases and allowable adjustments up to 10%.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maine?

2 months' rent. Landlord who misses the deadline forfeits the right to withhold any portion (§ 6033). No interest requirement. Deposit must be kept in a separate account (§ 6038 - not read in this pass). Cap excludes certain subsidized/specialty housing exceptions not reviewed here.

What is the maximum late fee for rent in Maine?

4% of monthly rent. Maximum 4% of one month's rent; rent is not 'late' until 15 days after the due date; landlord must give written notice at lease signing that a penalty up to 4% may be charged.

How much notice does a landlord have to give a tenant to move out in Maine?

30 days’ written notice for a month-to-month tenancy. Tenancy at will (month-to-month) terminated by either party with at least 30 days' written notice; 7-day notice allowed for nonpayment (7+ days in arrears), substantial damage, nuisance, etc. Rent paid in full before the 7-day notice expires voids it.

How long is a pay-or-quit notice in Maine?

7 days. The tenant can stop the eviction by paying the full amount within that time.