IL
IntelligentLandlord
HomeState LawsMaine
Tenant Leaning · Rank #37 of 51

Maine
Landlord Laws
2026 Complete Guide

Everything a landlord needs to know about Maine law — eviction process, security deposits, entry rights, rent control status, and local court resources.

4
out of 10 · Tenant Leaning
📋
Notice Period
7 days
⏱️
Full Eviction
~50 days
💰
Deposit Max
2 months
🔑
Entry Notice
24 hrs
💳
Late Fee Cap
4% after 15-day grace
Rent Control
No
Live Market Data · RentCast

Maine Rental Market

Current rents by bedroom · top metro breakdowns · YoY trend

Mar 29, 2026
1 Bedroom
$1,388
2 Bedrooms
$1,975
3 Bedrooms
$2,400
YoY Trend
-0.1%
Days on Market
25d
Portland
04103
1BR$1,561
2BR$2,450
3BR$2,850
YoY
-3.8%
DOM
28.64d
Listings
44
Bangor
04401
1BR$1,215
2BR$1,500
3BR$1,950
YoY
+3.6%
DOM
21.72d
Listings
234

Maine Eviction Process

Complete timeline for removing a non-paying or violating tenant in Maine

01
Serve Notice
7-day written notice for non-payment of rent. Must be delivered personally or posted on door.
02
File Complaint
If tenant fails to pay or vacate after 7 days, file an eviction complaint at your local court. Filing fee: $80–$100.
03
Court Hearing
Hearing typically scheduled 7–14 days after filing. Bring your lease, all notices, rent ledger, and any communications with the tenant.
04
Judgment & Possession
If you win, the court issues a judgment for possession. Tenant typically has 24–72 hours to vacate. If not, obtain a writ of possession.
ESTIMATED TOTAL TIMELINE
7d
Filing + Hearing (14d)
7d
Writ (22d)
Average total: 50 days from notice to possession. US average is ~50 days.

Security Deposit Rules

Maine security deposit laws, limits, and return requirements

💰
Maximum Deposit
2 months
Per current statutes
📅
Return Deadline
14–45 days
After tenant vacates
📋
Itemization Required
Yes
Written itemization of deductions
📈
Interest Required
No
Required in some high-reg states

Rights & Responsibilities

What both parties are entitled to under Maine law

✅ Landlord Rights
Can charge late fees
No statewide rent control
⚖️ Tenant Rights
45-day notice to quit
Repair & deduct
Retaliation protections

Required Disclosures

Items you must disclose to tenants in Maine before or at lease signing

📄 Lead paint
📄 Bedbug history
📄 Energy efficiency

Rent Control Status

Maine rent increase and rent control laws

No Rent Control in Maine
Maine has no statewide rent control law. You can raise rents by any amount with proper notice (typically 30 days for month-to-month, or at lease end for fixed terms). Late fees are subject to a cap: 4% after 15-day grace.

Maine Landlord FAQs

Common questions answered — also powers Google rich results

How long does eviction take in Maine?+
The average eviction timeline in Maine is 50 days from notice to possession. The pay-or-quit notice period is 7 days. Filing fee is $80–$100.
What is the security deposit limit in Maine?+
In Maine, the security deposit maximum is 2 months. Landlords must return the deposit with an itemized statement of deductions.
Does Maine have rent control?+
No. Maine has no statewide rent control. You can raise rents by any amount with proper notice — typically 30 days for month-to-month tenancies.
How much entry notice is required in Maine?+
Landlords in Maine must provide at least 24 hours written notice before entering a rental unit.

Compare Similar States

States with comparable landlord-friendliness scores

Colorado
4
60d eviction · None (return in 30 days)
Connecticut
3
75d eviction · 2 months (1 month if 62+)
Delaware
5
60d eviction · 1 month (after 1yr)
Hawaii
3
60d eviction · 1 month
← All StatesEviction Resources →