Episode 148: Location-Specific Tenancy Guidance for Maine
Summary
Today’s location-specific episode features Maine. We explore the overview of the housing guiding document called Maine Landlord Tenant Laws.
Each of my location-specific podcasts is set up the same way answering the same four questions:
1) What are the basics of the Maine Landlord Tenant Laws
2) What are the nuances of this location – what is different that stands out?
3) Some guidance about abandoned items left behind by a tenant in a rental in Maine
4) Where to get help in your local area in Maine. This episode is NOT all inclusive – you must research further in your specific area including your County, Regional District, Parish, City or any other Governing Body that involves your rental location, but today’s episode will get you started!
This episode includes resources for Maine including:
Maine Landlord Tenant Laws Title 14, Chapter 710: RENTAL PROPERTY
Maine Consumer Rights When You Rent An Apartment: Microsoft Word - MECLG_14_Chapter 2003.doc
The Full Guide on Maine Landlord Tenant Law, Rights, & Regulations - Azibo
Rights of Maine Renters: Unsafe or Unfit Housing | Pine Tree Legal Assistance
Listen to the full episode :
This Week’s Blog Post:
Starting with the Legal Basics
Hi friends! I’m Dr. Jen, and in this episode of My Life as a Landlord, we’re focusing on the Pine Tree State—Maine. As with all my location-specific episodes, I’ve followed the same four-part framework: what are the local landlord-tenant laws, what are the unique nuances, what do you do about abandoned items, and where can you get help? The legal foundation for Maine is Title 14, Chapter 710, and I’ve included all the relevant hyperlinks in the show notes to set you up for success.
Radon, Smoking, and Surety Bonds
Maine has some very unique requirements. It’s the only location I’ve seen that mandates radon testing every 10 years, and landlords must provide the results to tenants upon request. There's also a required smoking policy disclosure for every new lease. And then there’s the surety bond option instead of a security deposit—something I’ve rarely encountered elsewhere. While it might seem convenient, tenants should be cautious. The bond cost is non-refundable, and tenants may still owe the landlord for damages.
Rent, Deposits, and Legal Timelines
Rent is considered late if not paid within 15 days, and landlords can charge a late fee of up to 4%, but only if disclosed in the lease. If there’s no written lease, Maine law still applies, but written agreements are always better. Landlords must return security deposits within 21 days for tenants at will, and within 30 days if there’s a lease. Deposits must be kept in a separate account, safe from the landlord’s creditors, and landlords must disclose the name and location of the bank if asked.
Handling Abandoned Property
Maine law is very specific about what to do when tenants leave belongings behind. Landlords must store items in a safe, dry, secured place and send a notice to the tenant’s last known address. If the tenant doesn’t claim their items within seven days, the landlord must hold them for an additional 14 days before disposal or sale. If the value exceeds $750, any proceeds after costs must be sent to the State Treasurer in Augusta. It’s detailed and accounting-heavy, so make sure you document everything.
Resources and Final Thoughts
There’s no shortage of help for landlords in Maine. From Pine Tree Legal Assistance to the Maine Attorney General’s office and courts.maine.gov, landlords can find support at both the state and local levels. Today I recorded this episode in Maui, Hawaii. Why? Because real estate takes you places. Where do you want real estate to take you?
I’ll see you next time in Episode 149, where we explore tenancy law in Florida. See you there!