1. Premises
Landlord leases to Tenant the residential unit at [[Full Address, Unit #, City, Maine ZIP]] (the "Premises"), including [[parking / storage / appliances listed in Exhibit A]].
Use: Private residence only by Tenant and permitted occupants.
2. Term
Initial Term: [[Start Date]] to [[End Date]].
Thereafter month-to-month unless terminated by proper written notice (generally 30 days for at-will).
3. Rent
Monthly rent: $[[Monthly Rent]], due on the [[Due Day]] of each month in advance.
Payment: [[Method / portal / address]].
Prorated first month if applicable.
4. Security Deposit (14 M.R.S. §§ 6032-6033)
Security deposit: $[[Security Deposit Amount]] (maximum two months' rent).
The deposit must be held in a separate escrow account in a Maine bank or financial institution. Landlord shall disclose the institution name (and account number on tenant request).
Return or Accounting: Landlord shall return the deposit or provide a written itemized statement of deductions (with reasons) within 30 days after termination of a written lease (or 21 days for tenancy at will), after termination and surrender of the Premises.
Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of the right to withhold any portion and liability for double damages plus attorney fees under 14 M.R.S. § 6034.
Tenant may not apply deposit as last month's rent. Normal wear and tear may not be deducted.
5. Late Fees; NSF
Rent is due on the due date. Reasonable late fees may be charged if disclosed and permitted. NSF fee: [[actual bank fee + reasonable admin, e.g. $25]].
6. Utilities
Tenant pays: [[List - electricity, heat, water if submetered, etc.]]
Landlord pays: [[List]].
7. Occupants and Guests
Permitted occupants: [[Names or "Tenant only"]].
No guest longer than [[14 days consecutive / 30 days total per year]] without prior written consent.
8. Use; Quiet Enjoyment; Rules
Tenant shall use the Premises lawfully, not create a nuisance, and comply with all laws and reasonable rules provided by Landlord.
9. Landlord Maintenance and Habitability
Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a fit and habitable condition, comply with applicable codes, and make necessary repairs to keep the dwelling in the condition required by 14 M.R.S. Chapter 710 and the lease.
10. Tenant Maintenance
Tenant shall keep the Premises clean and safe, dispose of trash properly, use facilities and appliances reasonably, and promptly notify Landlord of defects or needed repairs.
11. Entry by Landlord
Landlord may enter at reasonable times with reasonable notice (commonly 24 hours) for inspection, repairs, showing to prospective tenants/purchasers, or as permitted by law. Emergency entry without notice allowed.
12. Alterations
No alterations or installations without Landlord's prior written consent. Approved improvements inure to Landlord.
13. Pets
No pets without prior written consent and any required pet addendum. Tenant responsible for all pet-related damage and nuisance.
14. Smoking
Smoking policy: [[Prohibited inside / Permitted only outdoors away from entrances / Other]].
15. Parking
Assigned: [[Description]]. Only operable registered vehicles. No repairs or storage of inoperable vehicles.
16. Default and Remedies
Default includes nonpayment of rent, breach of lease, abandonment, or illegal activity.
Landlord may serve appropriate notice under 14 M.R.S. § 6002 (7-day for nonpay or breach; 30-day for termination) and commence forcible entry and detainer proceedings in Maine District Court.
Landlord shall not use self-help (lockouts, utility shutoffs).
17. Holdover
Holdover tenancy after term without consent shall be at [[150% rent or other rate]] and subject to eviction.
18. Surrender
At end of tenancy Tenant shall remove belongings, return keys, leave Premises clean (ordinary wear excepted), and provide forwarding address.
19. Notices
Written notices to Tenant at Premises or last known address; to Landlord at notice address. Certified mail or personal delivery as permitted.
20. Lead Paint (Pre-1978)
If built before 1978: Landlord discloses known lead hazards and provides EPA pamphlet as required by 42 U.S.C. § 4852d. [[Attach disclosure or state "No known hazards"]].
21. Other Disclosures
- Bedbug / Mold: [[Landlord has no knowledge of current infestation requiring remediation / has provided information]].
- Flood / Natural Hazard: Tenant should verify with local authorities and insurance.
- Sex Offender Registry: Public information available via Maine State Police or local law enforcement.
22. Liability; Insurance
Landlord does not provide security. Tenant's personal property is at Tenant's risk. Renter's insurance recommended with liability minimum $[[300,000]].
23. Severability; Entire Agreement
Invalid provisions shall not affect the rest. This Lease (with exhibits) is the entire agreement.
24. Governing Law
Governed by laws of the State of Maine (14 M.R.S. Chapters 709-710-A and related).
25-30. Boilerplate (Attorney Fees, Joint & Several, Waiver, Time of Essence, Counterparts/Electronic, Exhibits)
In any enforcement action the prevailing party may recover reasonable attorney fees and costs as permitted. Each Tenant is jointly and severally liable. No waiver of one breach waives others. Time is of the essence. Electronic signatures valid. Exhibits: A (Inventory), B (Rules), Lead Disclosure (if applicable), [[Other]].
Signatures
LANDLORD
______________________________ Date: _______
TENANT(S)
______________________________ Date: _______
[[Tenant Names]]
Primary sources as of 2026-06: 14 M.R.S. § 6032 (max deposit 2 months); § 6033 (return 30 days written lease / 21 days at will + itemized statement); § 6034 (wrongful retention penalties); 14 M.R.S. § 6002 (notices to quit); habitability and lessor duties under Maine statutes and case law.
> Template - not legal advice. Maine deposit handling and notice timing are strictly enforced. Verify current text on legislature.maine.gov. Local rules or municipal ordinances may add requirements. Consult Maine counsel.
Primary sources as of 2026-06: See inline citations.
> Template - not legal advice. Verify all figures, clauses, execution formalities, disclosures, and required forms against the current statutes and local rules. Laws change; consult a licensed attorney in the relevant state.
