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What is a Maine Lease Agreement?
When to use a Maine Lease Agreement:
- You're a landlord about to lease residential property to a tenant, and you want a formal record of your lease agreement.
- You're a homeowner looking to rent a room in your home to a tenant, and you'd like to have a residential lease document in place.
- You're a prospective tenant who wants to lease residential property, and the landlord doesn't already have a lease form.
- You're currently in a landlord-tenant relationship without a written lease, and you'd like to formalize your arrangement.
Will my Maine Lease Contract be legally binding under local law?
As with any contract, Maine Lease Agreements will not be legally binding until they are signed. Different from a blank Maine Lease Agreement template that you might come across on another site, every rental contract from Rocket Lawyer comes with the option of Document Defense®, so an attorney can assess the situation and take action if you need to demand payment or have another problem.
What type of landlord needs to write Maine Rental Agreements?
Even if being a landlord is your business on the side, it is critical to capture in writing the details of any agreement with those renting from you. You might decide to sign a Maine Lease Agreement because it can yield the benefits outlined here:
- Roles and responsibilities are understood by all
- Neither party is surprised by how long the rental will last
- Everyone knows when rent payments are expected
Without a Maine Rental Contract, you and your tenant might have to manage one or more of these unwanted repercussions: unsuspected changes to the arrangement, not being paid in a timely manner, and very little legal recourse when a dispute arises.
How is a Lease Agreement template for Maine organized?
Before getting started, you may want to prepare the following critical details for the Maine Lease Agreement:
- The address and description of the property
- The full legal name of each inhabitant
- What the start and end dates are for the rental
- What utilities and/or amenities are included
- How payment will be made
As you might expect, Maine Lease Agreements built with Rocket Lawyer also include legal language about smoking, past due payments, short- or long-term guests, pets/animals, and early lease termination. As you build your rental contract, you also will have the ability to add more details related to insurance requirements, maintenance procedures, and furnishings. With the Rocket Lawyer document tool, you have the ability to implement additional personalized editing, if necessary.
What might I typically need to pay for an attorney to draft a Maine Lease Agreement?
The cost of working with a legal provider could add up to anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on the complexity of your situation. To write a free Maine Lease Agreement online with Rocket Lawyer, you can get started by clicking the button labeled "Make document." If you'd like, you might also try asking a lawyer in our nationwide attorney network to read it over for you once you have created it.
What steps should I take after drafting my Maine Residential Lease Agreement?
Attached alongside each Maine Lease Agreement, there's a set of instructions that you will need to follow to finalize your document. You are encouraged to interact with your document in all of the following ways: making edits, downloading it, printing it out, or adding signatures by means of RocketSign®. Finally, everyone should always get a copy of your final contract. Also, feel free to browse our full library of landlord-tenant documents.
How do Maine rental laws impact my lease?
Attached alongside each Maine Lease Agreement, there's a set of instructions that you will need to follow to finalize your document. You are encouraged to interact with your document in all of the following ways: making edits, downloading it, printing it out, or adding signatures by means of RocketSign®. Finally, everyone should always get a copy of your final contract. Also, feel free to browse our full library of landlord-tenant documents.
How do Maine rental laws impact my lease?
Laws can change over time and they may differ by location. If you've got any hesitations with regard to Maine rental laws, you can connect with a lawyer. Depending on whom you reach out to, some lawyers may not even agree to review your document if they did not write it. An easier approach to consider is to request help from Rocket Lawyer attorney services. By signing up for a Premium membership, you can request guidance from an attorney with real estate experience or send other legal questions about your Maine Rental Contract. We are always here to help answer any questions.
Is Maine a good place for owning rental properties?
The answer to this question might depend on your situation; but, no matter where you are, there are a few items that you might want to think about as you decide whether or not renting out property is right for you. These include the following: the extent of tenants' rights, required disclosures, any restrictions on security deposits, and how difficult it may be to evict a tenant in the event that the arrangement does not work out. This being said, Maine is home to schools like the University of Maine, Colby College, and Bates College in addition to popular destinations like Acadia National Park, Palace Playland, and Victoria Mansion, so there shouldn't be any lack of potential visitors and tenants if the property is close to them.
Sample Maine Lease Agreement
The terms in your document will update based on the information you provide
Maine
Residential Lease Agreement
This Lease Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered on (the "Effective Date") by and between (the "Landlord") and the following tenants:
(the "Tenant")
Subject to the terms and conditions stated below the parties agree as follows:
. Property. Landlord, in consideration of the lease payments provided in this Agreement, leases to Tenant a house
. Term. This Agreement will begin on (the "Start Date") and will terminate on (the "Termination Date").
Tenant will vacate the Property upon termination of the Agreement, unless: (i) Landlord and Tenant have extended this Agreement in writing or signed a new agreement; (ii) mandated by local rent control law; or (iii) Landlord accepts Rent from Tenant (other than past due Rent), in which case a month-to-month tenancy will be created which either party may terminate All other terms and conditions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect.
. Delivery of Possession. If the Landlord fails to make the premises available in a habitable condition on the agreed start date of this Lease, the Tenant may cancel the lease and receive a full refund of all deposits and fees paid. If the Tenant elects to wait until the Premises is ready, the rental period will begin on the day the Tenant takes possession of the Premises and the first month's rent payment will be prorated to adjust for the days the Tenant was unable to occupy the Premises.
. Management.
. Rent. There will be no rent increases through the initial term of the lease. Landlord may increase the rent that will be paid during any month-to-month renewal period by providing at least 30 days written notice to Tenant.
Payments should be sent to:
Payment address: , or at such other place as Landlord may designate from time to time.
Payments can be made by using one of the following methods of payment:
Acceptable forms of payment:
Tenant agrees to submit rent payments by one of the methods above. In the event of roommates, or another form of joint or multiple occupancy, Tenant will be responsible for collecting payment from all parties and submitting a single payment to Landlord. Tenant is responsible for any payment made by mail and not received by the due date stated herein. Mailed payments must be received on or before the due date. If the first month of the lease is a partial month, rent payment will be pro-rated at the rate of 1/30th of the monthly rent payment per day. No pro-rated rent shall be accepted at any other time.
. Failure to Pay. Tenant is hereby notified that a negative credit report reflecting on Tenant's credit history may be submitted to a credit reporting agency if Tenant fails to fulfill the terms of their credit obligations, such as their financial obligations under the terms of this Agreement.
. Occupants. The only persons who may live on the Property during the term of this Agreement are:
- |
Tenant may have guests on the Property for not over consecutive days or days in a calendar year, and no more than two guests per bedroom at any one time. Persons staying more than consecutive days or more than days in any calendar year will NOT be considered original occupants of the Property. Tenant is not required to disclose to Landlord when guests stay at the Property fewer than consecutive days or days in a calendar year, but Tenant must obtain the prior written approval of Landlord if an invitee of Tenant will be present at the Property for more than consecutive days or days in a calendar year.
. Possession. Tenant will be entitled to possession of the Property on the first day of the term of this Agreement, and will yield possession to Landlord on the last day of the term of this Agreement, unless otherwise agreed by both parties in writing. At the expiration of the term, Tenant will remove its goods and effects and peaceably yield up the Property to Landlord in as good a condition as when delivered to Tenant, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
. Use of Property/Absences. Tenant will occupy and use the Property as a full-time residential dwelling unit. Tenant will notify Landlord of any anticipated extended absence from the Property not later than the first day of the extended absence.
No retail, commercial or professional use of the Property is allowed unless the Tenant receives prior written consent of the Landlord and such use conforms to applicable zoning laws. In such case, Landlord may require Tenant to obtain liability insurance for the benefit of Landlord. Landlord reserves the right to refuse to consent to such use in its sole and absolute discretion.
The failure to abide by the provisions of this section will constitute a material breach of this Agreement and is a just cause for eviction.
- | Sofa |
- | Stove |
. Storage. Any personal property stored in the common areas of the Property will be removed without notice.
. Parking.
week. month.
. Roof/Fire Escapes. Use of the roof and/or the fire escapes by Tenants and/or guests is limited to emergency use only. No other use is permitted, including but not limited to, the placement of personal property.
. Pets. No pets, dogs, cats, birds or other animals are allowed on or about the Property, without Landlord's prior written consent, excepting guide, service, or signal dogs. Strays must not be kept or fed in or around the Property. If a pet has been on or allowed on the Property, even temporarily (with or without the Landlord's permission) Tenant may be charged for cleaning, de-fleaing, deodorizing, shampooing, or replacing any portion of the Property.
- |
. Keys and Locks. Tenant will be given a set number of keys for the Property. If all keys are not returned to Landlord following termination of the Agreement, Tenant will be charged a monetary fee to replace the keys. If a security deposit was collected by the Landlord at the time of signing this Agreement, then such amount will be subtracted from the Security Deposit. Tenant is not permitted to change any lock or place additional locking devices on any door or window of the Property without Landlord's approval prior to installation. If allowed, Tenant must provide Landlord with keys to any changed lock immediately upon installation.
. Maintenance and Repairs.
. Utilities and Services.
. Default. Tenant will be in default of this Agreement if Tenant fails to comply with any material provisions of this Agreement by which Tenant is bound. Subject to any governing provisions of law to the contrary, if Tenant fails to cure any financial obligation (or any other obligation) after written notice of such default is provided by Landlord to Tenant, Landlord may elect to cure such default and the cost of such action will be added to Tenant's financial obligations under this Agreement. All sums of money or charges required to be paid by Tenant under this Agreement will be additional rent, whether or not such sums or charges are designated as "additional rent." The rights provided by this paragraph are cumulative in nature and are in addition to any other rights afforded by law.
. Early Termination. If the tenant is evicted for breach of the lease or leaves the residence before the end of the lease term then the tenant will be responsible for however many months of rent remain unpaid and also for any damage to the premises. If the tenant does unjustifiably move before the lease has expired the landlord must make a good faith effort to find a new tenant to rent the premises. The amount of rent this new tenant pays will then be subtracted from the amount the departing tenant owes.
. Military Termination. In the event, the Tenant is, or hereafter becomes, a member of the United States Armed Forces on extended active duty and hereafter the Tenant receives permanent change of station orders to depart from the area where the Property is located, or is relieved from active duty, retires or separates from the military, or is ordered into military housing, then in any of these events, the Tenant may terminate this lease upon giving thirty (30) days written notice to the Landlord. The Tenant will also provide to the Landlord a copy of the official orders or a letter signed by the Tenant's commanding officer, reflecting the change, which warrants termination under this provision. The Tenant will pay prorated rent for any days (he/she) occupy the dwelling past the first day of the month. Any security deposit will be promptly returned to the Tenant, provided there are no damages to the Property.
. Condition of Property. Tenant stipulates, represents and warrants that Tenant has examined the Property, and that they are at the time of this Agreement in good order, repair, and in a safe, clean and tenantable condition.
. Alterations and Improvements. Tenant will make no alterations to the buildings or improvements to the Property or construct any building or make any other improvements on the Property without the prior written consent of Landlord. Any and all alterations, changes, and/or improvements built, constructed or placed on the Property by Tenant will, unless otherwise provided by written agreement between Landlord and Tenant, be and become the property of Landlord and remain on the Property at the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.
. Hazardous Materials. Tenant will not keep on the Property any item of a dangerous, flammable or explosive character that might unreasonably increase the danger of fire or explosion on the Property or that might be considered hazardous or extra hazardous by any responsible insurance company.
. Damage to Property. If the Property is damaged or destroyed as to render it uninhabitable, then either Landlord or Tenant will have the right to terminate this Agreement as of the date on which such damage occurs, through written notice to the other party to be given within 20 days of occurrence of such damage. However, if such damage should occur as the result of the conduct or negligence of Tenants or Tenants' guests or invitees, Landlord will have the right to termination and Tenants will be responsible for all losses, including, but not limited to, damage and repair costs as well as loss of rental income.
. Landlord Access to Property. Landlord and Landlord's agents will have the right at all reasonable times during the term of this Agreement and any renewal thereof to enter the Property for the purpose of inspecting the Property and all buildings and improvements thereon. Tenant will make the Property available to Landlord or Landlord's agents for the purposes of making repairs or improvements, or to supply agreed services or show the Property to prospective buyers or tenants, or in case of emergency. Except in case of emergency, Landlord will give Tenant reasonable notice of intent to enter. For these purposes, twenty four (24) hour written notice will be deemed reasonable.
. Indemnity Regarding Use of Property. To the extent permitted by law, Tenant agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend Landlord from and against any and all losses, claims, liabilities, and expenses, including reasonable attorney fees, if any, which Landlord may suffer or incur in connection with Tenant's possession, use or misuse of the Property, except Landlord's act or negligence. Tenant hereby expressly releases Landlord and/or agent from any and all liability for loss or damage to Tenant's property or effects whether on the Property, garage, storerooms or any other location in or about the Property, arising out of any cause whatsoever, including but not limited to rain, plumbing leakage, fire or theft, except in the case that such damage has been adjudged to be the result of the gross negligence of Landlord, Landlord's employees, heirs, successors, assignees and/or agents.
. Accommodation. Landlord agrees to and is committed to complying with all applicable laws providing equal housing opportunities. To ensure compliance, Landlord will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or a tenant, unless undue hardship would result. It is the applicant or tenant's responsibility to make Landlord aware of any required accommodation. In writing, the individual with the disability should specify the nature and effect of the disability and any accommodation he or she needs. If after thoughtful consideration and evaluation, the accommodation is reasonable and will not impose an undue hardship, Landlord will make the accommodation. Landlord reserves the right to require appropriate medical verification of the disability.
. Compliance with Regulations. Tenant will promptly comply with all laws, ordinances, requirements and regulations of the federal, state, county, municipal and other authorities, and the fire insurance underwriters. However, Tenant will not by this provision be required to make alterations to the exterior of the building or alterations of a structural nature.
. Mechanics Liens. Neither Tenant nor anyone claiming through the Tenant will have the right to file mechanics liens or any other kind of lien on the Property and the filing of this Agreement constitutes notice that such liens are invalid. Further, Tenant agrees to (1) give actual advance notice to any contractors, subcontractors or suppliers of goods, labor, or services that such liens will not be valid, and (2) take whatever additional steps that are necessary in order to keep the Property free of all liens resulting from construction done by or for the Tenant.
. Subordination of Lease. This Agreement is subordinate to any mortgage that now exists, or may be given later by Landlord, with respect to the Property.
. Assignment and Subletting.
. Notice. Notice under this Agreement will not be deemed valid unless given or served in writing and forwarded by mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the party at the appropriate address set forth below. Such addresses may be changed from time to time by either party by providing notice as set forth below. Notices mailed in accordance with these provisions will be deemed received on the third day after posting.
Landlord:
, ,
Tenant:
, , Maine
Such addresses may be changed from time to time by any party by providing notice as set forth above.
Any controversies or disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement will be submitted to mediation in accordance with any statutory rules of mediation in the State of Maine. If mediation is not successful in resolving the entire dispute or is unavailable, any outstanding issues will be submitted to final and binding arbitration in accordance with the laws of the State of Maine. The arbitrator's award will be final, and judgment may be entered upon it by any court having jurisdiction within the State of Maine.
. Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed, construed and interpreted by, through and under the Laws of the State of Maine.
. Waiver and Severability. The failure of either party to enforce any provisions of this Agreement will not be construed as a waiver or limitation of that party's right to subsequently enforce and compel strict compliance with every provision of this Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof will, for any reason and to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, neither the remainder of this Agreement nor the application of the provision to other persons, entities or circumstances will be affected thereby, but instead will be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law.
. Time of Essence. Time is of the essence with respect to the execution of this Lease Agreement.
. Estoppel Certificate. Tenant will execute and return a tenant estoppel certificate delivered to Tenant by Landlord or Landlord's agent within three (3) days after its receipt. Failure to comply with this requirement will be deemed Tenant's acknowledgment that the estoppel certificate is true and correct, and may be relied upon by a lender or purchaser.
. Entire Agreement. This document constitutes the entire Agreement between the Tenant and Landlord. This Agreement cannot be modified except in writing and must be signed by all parties. Neither Landlord nor Tenant have made any promises or representations, other than those set forth in this Agreement and those implied by law. The failure of Tenant or its guests or invitees to comply with any term of this Agreement is grounds for termination of the tenancy, with appropriate notice to Tenants and procedures as required by law.
. Application. Tenant represents and warrants that all statements in Tenant's rental application are accurate. Any misrepresentations will be considered a material breach of this Agreement and may subject Tenant to eviction. Tenant authorizes Landlord and any broker to obtain Tenant's credit report periodically during the tenancy in connection with the modification or enforcement of this Lease. Landlord reserves the right to terminate this Agreement (i) before occupancy begins, (ii) upon disapproval of the credit report(s), or (iii) at any time, upon discovering that information in Tenant's application is false.
. Binding Effect. The provisions of this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of parties and their respective legal representatives, successors and assigns.
Receipt
Initials
Tenant | Landlord |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Landlord and Tenant have executed this Agreement in the manner prescribed by law as of the Effective Date.
Landlord:
By: | Date: |
,
Tenant:
By: | Date: |
Energy Efficiency Disclosure Form for Rental Units in Maine
Address of Rental Unit: , , Maine
This rental unit ___ meets/ ___ does not meet/ ___ partially meets (check one)
the minimum energy efficiency guidelines suggested below for rental units in Maine.
You can expect your energy bills to be lower if your dwelling is insulated and has efficient appliances. There are several factors that affect energy costs. The areas below are the most important ones and indicate where this dwelling exceeds, meets, or falls below minimum efficiency guidelines suggested for Maine. The bold items below are suggested minimum guidelines.
Heating Systems
Space Heat
Tested heating system efficiency (minimum: 82%) ___% ___ unknown Test date: ________
Exposed pipes or ducts in unheated crawl space insulated? ___ yes ___ no
Heating fuels: ___ oil ___ natural gas ___ propane ___ kerosene ___ wood ___ electric ___ other
Water Heat
Accessible domestic hot water pipes insulated? ___ yes ___ no
Fuels: ___ oil ___ natural gas ___ propane ___ solar ___ electric ___ other
Insulation
Walls
Insulated? (minimum: cavity filled) ___ filled ___ partially filled ___ no insulation ___ unknown
Insulation thickness: ___ less than 3" ___ 3-6" ___ more than 6"
Ceiling
Insulated? (minimum: R-38 or cavity filled) ___ filled ___ partially filled ___ no insulation ___ unknown
Insulation thickness: ___ inches or R-___
Floors over unheated areas
Insulated? (minimum: R-21 or cavity filled) ___ filled ___ partially filled ___ no insulation ___ unknown
Basement wall
Insulated? (minimum: 2' below grade) ___ yes ___ no ___ unknown
Windows and Doors
Windows (minimum: 2 panes of glass) ___ single pane ___ single + storm ___ double (DG) ___ DG + low-e
___ (DG + low-e + argon gas) ___ tripple or better
Doors (minimum: insulated or with storm) ___ insulated ___ storm ___ insulated + storm ___ neither
Appliances
Refrigerator (minimum: post-1995) ___ yes ___ no ___ unknown ___ Energy Star rated
Gas stove (suggested electronic ignition) ___ electric ignition ___ pilot light ___ no gas stove
You have the right to obtain a 12-month history of electricity used by this rental unit by calling your local electric company. If this unit uses natural gas, you have the right to obtain a 12-month history of natural gas used by the unit by calling your local natural gas company.
For further information about energy efficiency, contact Efficiency Maine, 1-866-376-2463
Signature: Landlord: _______________________ Tenant: _______________________ Date: ____________
This information is accurate to the best of the landlord's knowledge.
Other comments about the unit's efficiency _____________________________________________________
Available on the Maine Public Utilities Commision or Maine State Housing Authority
web pages (www.maine.gov/mpuc or www.mainehousing.org)
May 12, 2006 | Page 1 of 2 |
Guidelines and Explanation of Terms
Tested heating system efficiency (minimum 82%): This is the combustion efficiency test typically performed by a heating technician when servicing and cleaning the burner.
Floors over unheated areas: Examples are an enclosed porch or a crawlspace. Doesn't refer to a basement.
Basement wall: Basements in many new buildings are insulated all the way to the floor or footings (full height). Older buildings may have poor soil drainage, e.g. a wet basement. To avoid potential foundation damage from damp soils freezing and expanding, it is generally considered safe to insulate to 1'-2' below ground level. This still saves considerable energy.
Windows: Sealed double glazing sometimes has gas fill such as argon or krypton. Low-e storm windows are also available. Either exceeds the basic single glass + storm.
Doors: A solid wood door is only a bit more insulating than a single pane of glass. Adding a storm door cuts heat loss in half. An insulated door can equal almost 10 panes of glass.
Refrigerator: Refrigerators made before 1995 have the make and model information on a metal plate inside, usually on the door. From 1995 on, the information is on a sheet of metal foil.
Gas stove: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, piloted gas burners can use more than twice the energy used by electric ignition gas burners.
Available on the Maine Public Utilities Commision or Maine State Housing Authority
web pages (www.maine.gov/mpuc or www.mainehousing.org)
May 12, 2006 | Page 2 of 2 |
Lease Agreement
Inspection Checklist
Address: | , , Maine |
Tenant has inspected the Property and states that the Property is in satisfactory condition, free of defects, except as noted below:
Satisfactory | Comments |
Kitchen
Cupboards | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Floor ceiling | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Walls and ceiling | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Counter surfaces | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Stove and oven | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Refrigerator | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Garbage disposal | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Windows | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Doors | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Light fixtures | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Living Room
Floor covering | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Walls and ceiling | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Windows | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Doors | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Light fixtures | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Hallways or Other Areas
Floor covering | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Walls and ceiling | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Closets | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Light fixtures | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Furnace | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Air conditioner | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Patio or deck | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Yard | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Other (specify) | _______ | ____________________________________ |
Tenant:
By: ___________________________________ | Date: __________________ |
Acknowledged by Landlord:
By: ___________________________________ | Date: __________________ |
(i) __X__ Known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards are present in the housing (explain):
(i) _____ Landlord has provided the Tenant with all available records and reports pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing (list documents): ______________________________________________
(ii)__X__ Landlord has no reports or records pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing.