Maine Month-to-Month Lease Agreement

Last Updated: May 20, 2025 by Roberto Valenzuela

A Maine month-to-month rental agreement is a contract (not necessarily in writing) for a tenant to rent property from a landlord, one month at a time, in exchange for a fee (“rent”). The agreement renews monthly, until either party gives proper notice to end it.

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For information about Maine fixed-term (rentals for a term of one year or more), click here.

Basics of a Maine Month-to-Month Rental Agreement

In Maine, a landlord and tenant create a month-to-month lease by agreeing to rent a property according to acceptable terms. Written agreements are clearer and more reliable in case of disagreement, but month-to-month oral (unwritten) leases are legal.

Parties under a month-to-month lease have full rights under Maine landlord-tenant law. The tenant must use the property in a responsible way and pay rent on time. The landlord must ensure the tenant’s quiet enjoyment of the property. This includes keeping critical features of the property in good working condition.

The main difference between a month-to-month lease and a fixed-term lease is that month-to-month leases can be terminated (with proper notice) by either party, for any reason, without penalty. Landlords also can usually modify terms from one month to the next, again with proper notice.

Required Disclosures for Month-to-Month Rentals in Maine

Maine landlords may not rent a property out without making the following disclosures to a potential tenant, as relevant:

  • Late or Returned Check Fee Notice – Maine leases must disclose and agree on any late fees or returned check fees.
  • Bed Bug Disclosure – Maine leases must provide a disclosure if they have a bedbug infestation, or are located next to one.
  • Radon Disclosure – Maine leases must disclose the results of any recent radon testing. The disclosure also requires giving a warning from the Department of Health about the dangers of radon exposure.
  • Energy Efficiency Disclosure – Maine rentals must provide an energy efficiency statement whenever a tenant is responsible for utility costs (either directly or through the landlord). The disclosure must the utility supplier’s information or the property’s 12-month energy consumption history. The report must be made available to anybody who asks for it.
  • Written Cost Disclosure: Beginning in 2025, Maine landlords must provide potential tenants with a written disclosure of all costs associated with the rental agreement.
  • Common Area Utility Disclosure – Maine leases must provide a disclosure if they share a utility line with a common area (i.e., stairwell, hallway, storage area, water heaters, etc.) or other area outside of the dwelling.
  • Security Deposit Holdings Disclosure – Maine landlords can’t collect a security deposit without a written disclosure of how those security deposit funds will be kept during the lease.
  • Smoking Policy Disclosure Maine landlords must specify rules for smoking on the premises, including where smoking is and isn’t allowed.
  • Lead-Based Paint – Landlords must provide an EPA-approved disclosure and informational pamphlet to tenants renting any property built before 1978.

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The state page for fixed-term leases may have more detailed information on required disclosures.

Required Notice To End a Month-to-Month Rental in Maine

Maine lets both the landlord or tenant end a month-to-month lease with at least 30 days of advance notice. In general, it’s valid to end a month-to-month lease for any reason that isn’t landlord retaliation.

Maine requires written notice to end a month-to-month lease.

Required Notice To Raise the Rent on a Maine Month-to-Month Lease

Maine requires a minimum of 45 days advance notice before raising the rent. When rent increases for the past 12 months total a 10% increase or more, this requirement increases to 75 days in advance.

Maine requires written notice to raise the rent.

Eviction in Maine Month-to-Month Rentals

Maine tenants may get evicted if they violate lease terms or stay on the property after the notice period allowed by a valid termination. Evictions in Maine typically take four to eight weeks.

For more information on the eviction process in Maine, click here.

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