Two ways to rent in Maine
The same free builder makes both — pick the one that fits and the agreement adapts automatically.
Standard Residential Lease Agreement
A fixed-term lease with set start and end dates (usually one year) — best for a long-term tenant.
Create a fixed-term leaseMonth-to-Month Rental Agreement
A flexible tenancy that renews each month and ends with proper written notice from either party.
Create a month-to-month agreementOverview
Renting out a home in Maine? A residential lease agreement is the contract that protects both sides — it sets the rent, the term, the deposit, and the rules the landlord and tenant agree to, and it is your proof of what was agreed if a dispute ever comes up. Maine residential tenancies are governed by Title 14, Chapter 710 of the Revised Statutes, including the security-deposit rules in Chapter 710-A.
Mainelease rules & requirements
Security deposit
Maine caps a residential security deposit at two months' rent (Title 14, 6032). The landlord must return it, with a written itemized statement of any deductions, within 30 days under a written lease or within 21 days for a tenancy at will (6033), counting from when the tenant leaves and the landlord accepts the premises.
Late fees
A late fee in Maine cannot exceed 4% of the monthly rent, and rent is not late until 15 days after it is due (Title 14, 6028). The landlord may only charge the fee if the lease disclosed it at the start of the tenancy, and the fee has to be reasonable.
Landlord entry & notice
Except in an emergency, a Maine landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering to inspect, make repairs, or show the unit (Title 14, 6025). Entry must be at reasonable times, and the tenant cannot unreasonably refuse access.
Required disclosures
Maine requires several written disclosures: where the security deposit is held, an energy-efficiency disclosure when the tenant pays for heat or utilities, radon testing information, and notice of any known bedbug infestation in an adjacent unit. The federal lead-based-paint disclosure also applies to any home built before 1978.
Ending the lease
A fixed-term lease simply ends on its end date. A tenancy at will (month-to-month) can be ended by either party with at least 30 days' written notice (Title 14, 6002); some leases or local rules call for longer, so check the agreement.
Does it need notarizing?
No. A Maine residential lease doesn't need to be notarized or witnessed — it is binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign. Each party should keep a signed copy.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules under Maine law (Revised Statutes Title 14, Chapter 710).
How to write a Maine lease agreement
- 1
Choose the lease type — a fixed-term lease (set start and end dates) or a month-to-month tenancy at will.
- 2
Add the property details and the landlord's and tenant(s)' full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Set the monthly rent, the due date, accepted payment methods, and any late fee (up to 4%, after the 15-day grace period).
- 4
Set the security deposit (no more than two months' rent) and when it's returned, plus any pet, parking, smoking, or utility terms.
- 5
Add the required disclosures (deposit location, energy efficiency, radon, bedbugs, and lead-based paint for pre-1978 homes) and any house rules.
- 6
The landlord and every tenant sign and date the lease — and each keeps a copy.
Ready to create your Maine lease agreement?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Landlord & tenant(s) — names and addresses
- Property, lease type & term
- Rent — amount, due date & payment methods
- Security deposit, late & NSF fees
- Pets, parking, smoking & utilities
- Disclosures & signatures
Maine lease agreement FAQ
Does a Maine residential lease need to be notarized?
No. A residential lease in Maine doesn't have to be notarized or witnessed. It is legally binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign it.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Maine?
Yes. Maine caps a residential security deposit at two months' rent under Title 14, 6032. The lease can set a lower amount.
How long does a Maine landlord have to return the deposit?
30 days under a written lease, or 21 days for a tenancy at will, with a written itemized statement of any deductions (Title 14, 6033). A landlord who wrongfully keeps it can owe up to double the amount plus the tenant's costs.
How much can a late fee be in Maine?
No more than 4% of the monthly rent, and only after rent is 15 days late (Title 14, 6028). The fee also has to have been disclosed in the lease at the start of the tenancy.
How much notice ends a month-to-month lease in Maine?
At least 30 days' written notice from either the landlord or the tenant for a tenancy at will, under Title 14, 6002. Some leases require longer, so check the agreement.
Does the landlord have to give notice before entering?
Yes. Except in an emergency, a Maine landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice and enter only at reasonable times (Title 14, 6025).
What must a Maine lease disclose?
Where the deposit is held, an energy-efficiency disclosure when the tenant pays utilities, radon testing information, any known bedbug infestation nearby, and the federal lead-based-paint disclosure for pre-1978 homes.
Is this Maine lease agreement really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.