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Renting in Maine

Your rights as a tenant in Maine

In Maine, the security deposit can be up to 2 months of rent. What state law says about your deposit, the notices you must get, repairs and eviction. Every rule comes with its citation and the text of the law.

The rules, one by oneFree or low-cost legal help
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Maximum deposit
Up to 2 months of rent
14 M.R.S. §6032
Notice of a rent increase
45 or 75 days, depending on the case
14 M.R.S. §6015(1)-(2)

A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

What the law says

The rules, one by one

The basic rules for renting in Maine, answered with state law and its citation.

Tap “What the law says” to read the exact text and see where it comes from.

  1. How much can they charge for a deposit?

    Up to 2 months of rent

    In Maine, a lease or tenancy-at-will agreement cannot require a security deposit of more than 2 months' rent.

    What the law says · 14 M.R.S. §6032
    “A lease or tenancy at will agreement for a dwelling intended for human habitation may not require a security deposit equivalent to more than the rent for 2 months.”

    Source: Maine Legislature – Maine Revised Statutes, Title 14 · Verified on October 24, 2026

  2. How much notice before a rent increase?

    45 or 75 days, depending on the case

    The landlord must give you written notice at least 45 days before raising the rent or a mandatory fee you pay every month. If the increase is 10% or more (or several increases in 12 months add up to 10% or more), the notice is at least 75 days. The 75-day rule does not apply to some subsidized or affordable housing.

    What the law says · 14 M.R.S. §6015(1)-(2)
    “Except as provided in subsection 2, rent or mandatory recurring fees charged for residential estates may be increased by the landlord only after providing at least 45 days' written notice to the tenant. … If rent charged for a residential estate is increased by the landlord by 10% or more, the landlord must provide at least 75 days' written notice to the tenant. If the landlord increases rent more than once in a 12-month period, and the increases add up to a total increase of 10% or more, the landlord must provide at least 75 days' written notice prior to any increase that brings the total increase in rent to 10% or more. … This subsection does not apply to rental housing that is subject to: A. Requirements established by a document or deed recorded by a register of deeds that are designed to keep the housing affordable for tenants with specific income levels; … B. Restrictions as a condition of the landlord's receipt of subsidies from or participation in a municipal, state or federal housing program; or … C. Restrictions as a condition of the tenant's receipt of subsidies from or participation in a municipal, state or federal housing program.”

    Source: Maine Legislature – Maine Revised Statutes, Title 14 · Verified on October 31, 2026

Eviction

How an eviction works in Maine

Step by step, with the time periods the law sets. No landlord can skip the court.

Compare with other states

  1. 7-day notice (rent 7 or more days late)

    at least 7 days

    What the law says · 14 M.R.S. §6002(1)
    “Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the tenancy may be terminated upon 7 days' written notice in the event that the landlord can show, by affirmative proof, that:”

    legislature.maine.gov

  2. A sheriff serves the complaint and summons

    at least 14 days

    What the law says · M.R. Civ. P. 80D(b)(4)
    “state the day when the action is returnable, which shall be not fewer than 14 days from the date of service of the summons; and”

    courts.maine.gov

  3. Landlord files the complaint in District Court

    at least 3 days

    What the law says · M.R. Civ. P. 80D(d)
    “The complaint for forcible entry and detainer shall be filed no later than 3 days before the date of the hearing.”

    courts.maine.gov

  4. Court hearing (mediation available)

    up to 10 days

    What the law says · 14 M.R.S. §6003
    “The court shall schedule and hold the hearing as soon as practicable, but no later than 10 days after the return day except that the court may grant a continuance for good cause shown.”

    legislature.maine.gov

  5. Judgment for possession

    What the law says · 14 M.R.S. §6005
    “When the defendant is defaulted or fails to show sufficient cause, judgment must be rendered against the defendant by the District Court for possession of the premises.”

    legislature.maine.gov

  6. Court issues the writ of possession

    at least 7 calendar days

    What the law says · 14 M.R.S. §6005
    “Seven calendar days after the judgment is entered, the court shall issue the writ of possession to remove the defendant.”

    legislature.maine.gov

  7. A sheriff or constable serves the writ

    What the law says · 14 M.R.S. §6005
    “The writ may be served by a sheriff or a constable.”

    legislature.maine.gov

  8. 48 hours to leave after the writ is served

    at least 2 days

    What the law says · 14 M.R.S. §6005
    “When a writ of possession has been served on the defendant by a constable or sheriff, and the defendant fails to remove himself or his possessions within 48 hours of service by the constable or sheriff, the defendant is deemed a trespasser without right and the defendant's goods and property are considered by law to be abandoned and subject to section 6013.”

    legislature.maine.gov

Frequently asked questions

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

In Maine, a lease or tenancy-at-will agreement cannot require a security deposit of more than 2 months' rent. (14 M.R.S. §6032)

How much notice before a rent increase in Maine?

The landlord must give you written notice at least 45 days before raising the rent or a mandatory fee you pay every month. If the increase is 10% or more (or several increases in 12 months add up to 10% or more), the notice is at least 75 days. The 75-day rule does not apply to some subsidized or affordable housing. (14 M.R.S. §6015(1)-(2))

A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

Pending

What is left to verify

We have not yet verified these Maine rules in the law with their citation, so we do not show them. If you need them today, ask for free legal aid.

  • When must they return my deposit? Not verified yet
  • If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get? Not verified yet
  • How much notice ends a month-to-month rental? Not verified yet
  • Are there limits on late fees? Not verified yet
  • Only a court order can remove you Not verified yet
  • Protection from retaliation Not verified yet
  • Protection related to immigration status Not verified yet
  • Repair and deduct from the rent Not verified yet