Maine Lease Agreement

A Maine lease agreement is a written contract between a landlord (or property manager) and a tenant that explains all the important rental terms—such as rent amount, due date, lease length, and maintenance responsibilities. To be legally valid, the lease must follow Maine Landlord and Tenant Laws (Title 14, Chapter 709–710, Maine Revised Statutes). These laws protect both landlords and tenants by defining their rights and obligations.

Landlords and property managers in Maine commonly use several types of leases:

• Fixed-Term Lease: Runs for a specific period (for example, 12 months). Rent and terms remain the same until the lease ends.
• Month-to-Month Rental Agreement: Automatically renews every month until either party gives at least 30 days’ written notice to modify or terminate the lease (14 M.R.S.A. § 6002).
• Sublease Agreement: Allows an existing tenant to rent the property to another person (“subtenant”) — only with the landlord’s written approval.
• Commercial Lease: Used for business properties such as offices or storefronts and governed by separate commercial leasing rules.

To make a Maine lease agreement legally compliant, include the following information:

• Tenant and Landlord Names: Full legal names of all parties.
• Property Address:
• Lease Term: Start and end dates, plus any renewal or termination rules.
• Rent Details: Monthly rent amount, due date, accepted payment methods, and late-fee policies.
• Security Deposit Terms: The deposit amount (cannot exceed two months’ rent), refund rules, and allowable deductions (14 M.R.S.A. § 6031–6039). The landlord must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out along with an itemized list of any deductions.
• Maine Required Disclosures: Including lead-based paint disclosures for properties built before 1978.
• Signatures: Both landlord and tenant must sign and date the lease.

The main difference is the duration, flexibility, and legal obligations under Maine law:

• Lease Agreement: Covers a fixed term (e.g., one year). Rent and terms generally cannot change until the lease ends unless both parties agree in writing.
• Rental Agreement (Month-to-Month): Renews automatically each month. Either party can terminate with at least 30 days’ written notice. Landlords may adjust terms by giving proper written notice before the next rental period begins (14 M.R.S.A. § 6002).

No. Under Maine Landlord and Tenant Laws (Title 14, Chapter 709–710), a landlord cannot increase rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease specifically allows it.

For month-to-month leases, a landlord may increase rent or change other terms but must provide the tenant with at least 30 days’ written notice before the next rental period begins (14 M.R.S.A. § 6002).

If a tenant ends a lease early in Maine, they may still be responsible for paying rent until the lease expires or until the landlord finds a new tenant.

Under Maine Landlord and Tenant Laws (Title 14, Chapter 709–710), landlords must make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit to reduce financial losses — known as “mitigating damages.”

In Maine, lease renewal or termination depends on the type of tenancy:

• Fixed-Term Lease:
  • Ends automatically on the stated end date unless both parties agree to renew.
  • Renewals must be in writing, either through a new lease or a signed addendum.
  • Neither party can terminate early without mutual agreement unless a legal exception applies.
• Month-to-Month Lease:
  • Renews automatically each month.
  • Either party may terminate with at least 30 days’ written notice before the next rental period (14 M.R.S.A. § 6002).

Yes, a Maine lease agreement may be modified after signing, but only if both the landlord and tenant agree in writing.

All modifications must be added as a written lease addendum that clearly describes the changes (for example: rent updates, pet policy changes, or adding occupants). Both parties must sign and date the addendum, and it must comply with Maine Landlord and Tenant Laws (Title 14, Chapter 709–710).