Maine Tenant Rights Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed October 02, 2017
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As a party to a residential lease, it's important to understand your legal rights and responsibilities. It's smart to read your lease carefully before signing and make sure you understand critical provisions. It's also a good idea to understand how you are impacted by your state's laws and local ordinances regulating residential leases.
Maine Tenants Rights Laws at a Glance
Maine, like all other states, has laws in place that govern the landlord/tenant relationship. If you are a Maine renter, there are some important laws that you should be familiar with. For example, as a tenant, you have the right to live in a safe and habitable environment. If, after you provide adequate notice, your landlord fails to make important repairs in your dwelling unit, Maine gives you the right to "repair and deduct" by paying for the repairs yourself and withholding that amount from your rent payment.
Maine law controls the collection and return of security deposits, capping the amount a landlord may charge and enumerating a timeline for the return of your security deposit at the end of your tenancy. Also, Maine dictates how much a landlord can charge you in late fees, and how much notice a Maine landlord can give before raising your rent.
The below chart provides more details about Maine tenants' rights laws at a glance.
Statutes |
Maine Revised Statutes Title 14, Chapter 710 |
Security Deposits |
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Paying Rent |
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Living Conditions |
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Discrimination |
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Ending or Renewing a Tenancy |
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Retaliation |
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Note: State regulations are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Related: Maine Tenants' Rights Resources
- Maine Leases and Rental Agreements Laws
- Tenant Rights, Laws and Protections: Maine
- Maine Human Rights Commission: Unlawful Housing Harassment
- Landlord Tenant Disputes FAQs
- Tips for Protecting Your Tenant Rights
Get a Free Evaluation of Your Landlord/Tenant Case
Whether you're considering entering a residential lease, or are currently embroiled in a housing conflict, it's important to understand your legal rights as a tenant. If you are feeling frustrated, consider seeking professional help. An experienced landlord/tenant attorney can guide you through the process and help you resolve your conflict. Get matched with an attorney today for your free case evaluation.
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