Maine Tenant Rights Guide
Security deposits, eviction laws, rent control, and tenant protections in Maine
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Maine's landlord-tenant statutes (14 M.R.S. § 6000 et seq.) cap deposits at 2 months' rent and require return within 30 days. Landlords must give 24 hours advance notice before entry. Portland passed a rent stabilization ordinance in 2020 capping increases at 10% annually for qualifying units, but no statewide rent control exists.
Security Deposit Max
2 months's rent
Deposit Return
30 days
Entry Notice Required
24 hours
Rent Control
Not permitted
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
Repair & Deduct
Not allowed
Detailed Protections
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Security Deposit Limit
2 months' rent (14 M.R.S. § 6032)
Protection Exists
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Deposit Return Period
30 days after move-out with itemized deductions
Protection Exists
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Entry Notice Required
24 hours except emergencies (14 M.R.S. § 6025)
Protection Exists
⚠️
Rent Control
No statewide law; Portland has rent stabilization (10% annual cap, 2020 ordinance)
Limited Protection
❌
Repair & Deduct
Not allowed — tenant may terminate for uninhabitable conditions
No Protection
❌
Just Cause Eviction
Not required statewide
No Protection
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Retaliation Protection
Prohibited — 14 M.R.S. § 6001
Protection Exists
Last reviewed 2026. Laws change — verify with your state attorney general or a local tenant rights organization.
Common Questions
🔍 Maine tenant rights🔍 Maine security deposit law🔍 Maine eviction process🔍 Portland Maine rent stabilization