Maine Required Landlord Disclosures: Ensuring Leasing Transparency
Ensure compliance with Maine's stringent landlord disclosure laws, including mandatory notices on energy efficiency, radon, smoking policies, and total price transparency.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Since its establishment as a state on March 15, 1820, Maine has prioritized transparency in the landlord-tenant relationship, enforcing a stringent set of required pre-lease disclosures. Failing to provide these documents in writing can result in substantial civil fines or legal complications under Maine law.
Federal Disclosures (Lead-Based Paint)
As mandated by federal law, landlords renting properties constructed before 1978 must:
- Disclose to the tenant any known presence of lead-based paint.
- Provide the official EPA informational pamphlet ("Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home").
- Include a specific lead warning addendum signed by both parties.
Maine State Disclosures
1. Energy Efficiency Disclosure (14 MRS § 6030-C)
Before a tenant signs a lease or pays a deposit, the landlord must provide a Residential Energy Efficiency Disclosure statement.
- Requirements: The landlord must provide the statement to any person who requests it in person and must obtain the tenant's signature on the statement.
- Energy History: A prospective tenant who will be paying utility costs has the right to obtain from the energy supplier the amount of consumption and the cost for the prior 12-month period. Alternatively, the landlord may include the name of each energy supplier and a specific notice of the tenant's right to this history in the rental application.
2. Smoking Policy Disclosure (14 MRS § 6030-E)
Landlords must provide a written smoking policy disclosure before a tenant enters into a contract or pays a deposit. The disclosure must state whether smoking is prohibited, allowed on the entire premises, or allowed in limited areas (identifying those specific areas). Landlords must obtain a written acknowledgement signed by the tenant that they have received this policy.
3. Radon Testing Disclosure (14 MRS § 6030-D)
Maine requires landlords to test residential rental buildings for radon gas and provide results to tenants.
- Testing Schedule: Retesting is required every 10 years when requested by a tenant, provided a radon mitigation system has not already been installed.
- Notification: Written notice of the most recent test results must be provided to existing tenants within 30 days of receipt, and to new tenants before they sign a lease or pay a deposit.
- Penalty: Failure to provide this notice is a civil violation subject to a fine of up to $250 per violation.
- Termination: If radon levels are 4.0 pCi/L or higher, either the landlord or the tenant may terminate the lease or tenancy-at-will with a minimum of 30 days' notice.
4. Bed Bug History (14 MRS § 6021-A)
- Prohibition: A landlord cannot offer for rent a unit they know or suspect is infested with bed bugs.
- Mandatory Disclosure: Before renting, a landlord must disclose in writing if any adjacent unit is currently infested or being treated for bed bugs.
- Upon Request: Upon request, landlords must disclose the last date the unit (or adjacent units) was inspected and found to be free of infestation.
5. Total Price Transparency (14 MRS § 6030-J)
Effective January 1, 2025, Maine requires all landlords to provide a written Total Price Disclosure statement before entering into a lease or tenancy-at-will.
- Execution: The disclosure must be signed by both parties, with a copy provided to each.
- Mandatory Contents: The disclosure must itemize the total monthly rent, all mandatory recurring fees (e.g., parking, pet fees), all optional recurring fees, any utility service costs, and any other costs the tenant is responsible for.
- Exemption: A written disclosure is not required if the tenant is not responsible for paying any mandatory recurring fee or any optional recurring fee.
6. Security Deposit Bank Disclosure (14 MRS § 6038)
When a landlord accepts a security deposit, they must hold it in a separate account beyond the reach of the landlord's creditors. Upon a tenant's request, the landlord must disclose the name of the financial institution and the account number where the deposit is held.
Jurisdictional Enforcement
Disputes regarding these disclosures are generally heard in the Maine District Court. Failure to provide these mandatory documents can be used as a defense in eviction proceedings or as the basis for a consumer protection claim.
Best Practices
Integrating these disclosures directly into your primary leasing workflow is critical in Maine. These cannot be verbal agreements; they must be written, acknowledged, and signed by the tenant before move-in to ensure the lease's legal validity.
Back to Maine Landlord-Tenant Laws Overview.
Sources & Official References
- Maine Revised Statutes - Bed Bug Disclosure (14 MRS § 6021-A)
- Maine Revised Statutes - Energy Efficiency Disclosure (14 MRS § 6030-C)
- Maine Revised Statutes - Radon Testing Disclosure (14 MRS § 6030-D)
- Maine Revised Statutes - Smoking Policy Disclosure (14 MRS § 6030-E)
- Maine Revised Statutes - Total Price Disclosure (14 MRS § 6030-J)
- Maine Revised Statutes - Security Deposit Bank Disclosure (14 MRS § 6038)
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What disclosures must Maine landlords provide to tenants?
Maine landlords must provide certain disclosures to tenants before or at the time of lease signing. Common required disclosures include lead-based paint hazards (for pre-1978 buildings, a federal requirement), the identity of the landlord or property manager, and any known material defects in the property. Additional state-specific disclosures may include flood risk, mold hazards, and environmental conditions.
▶What are the Maine landlord-tenant laws every property owner should know?
Maine's landlord-tenant laws strive to balance the property rights of landlords with concrete habitability and transparency protections for tenants. While the state statutes apply broadly, landlords must also be acutely aware of local ordinances in municipalities like Portland, which enforce stricter rent control and eviction guardrails. This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
Read the complete guide▶What is the Maine eviction process and how long does it take?
The Maine eviction process requires landlords to provide written notice to tenants before filing a court action. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction — typically shorter for non-payment of rent and longer for lease violations or no-fault terminations. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Maine. The full court process varies but typically takes several weeks.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Maine security deposit rules and return deadlines?
Maine has specific rules governing how much landlords can charge for security deposits, how deposits must be held, and the deadline for returning deposits after a tenant moves out. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of any deductions made from the deposit. Failure to comply with deposit return deadlines can result in penalties and the forfeiture of the landlord's right to claim deductions.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Maine rent increase laws and caps for landlords?
Maine has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent. During a fixed-term lease, rent generally cannot be increased unless the lease explicitly allows it. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide proper written notice before an increase takes effect. Check whether Maine has any local rent control ordinances that may impose additional caps or requirements.
Read the complete guide▶What is the grace period for late rent in Maine?
Maine has specific rules regarding grace periods for late rent and the amount that can be charged as a late fee. Late fee provisions must be stated in the lease agreement, and fees must be reasonable. Check Maine state law and any applicable local ordinances for the exact grace period and late fee limits that apply to your rental property.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Maine lease requirements for rental properties?
Maine recognizes both written and oral leases, though written leases are strongly recommended for terms longer than one year. Lease agreements should include the rent amount, payment due date, security deposit terms, maintenance responsibilities, and rules regarding entry, pets, and subletting. Certain lease clauses that waive tenant statutory rights may be void and unenforceable under Maine law.
Read the complete guide▶What are Maine landlord maintenance obligations and habitability standards?
Maine landlords must maintain rental properties in a condition that is fit for habitation and complies with applicable building, housing, and health codes. This includes maintaining structural integrity, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and pest control. Tenants typically have the right to request repairs in writing, and if repairs are not made within a reasonable time, tenants may have legal remedies available.
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