Is it legally required to split rent equally among roommates in Maine?

No. Maine law doesn't mandate how roommates split rent. It’s up to your private agreement together. However, everyone on a joint lease is responsible for the full rent if someone doesn’t pay.

Can my landlord evict me if my roommate doesn't pay their share?

Yes. If you all signed the same lease, landlords can take action against the entire group for unpaid rent, including eviction.

How do I properly add a roommate or sublet in Maine?

Check your lease and get written landlord approval before adding a new roommate or subletting. Provide details in writing and keep copies.

Where can I find official Maine forms for rental and roommate issues?

Visit the Maine District Court's Landlord/Tenant Division website for eviction, notice, and complaint forms. For sample roommate agreements, see the Maine Attorney General’s website.

What happens if a roommate leaves before the lease ends?

The remaining tenants on a joint lease may be held responsible for the full rent. Communicate changes in writing and consult your lease for next steps.

How to Split Rent Fairly with Roommates in Maine

Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Maine published: June 21, 2025

Living with roommates in Maine can be a practical way to afford rent, but dividing the monthly bill isn't always easy. Whether you’re moving into shared housing or addressing ongoing concerns with your co-tenants, finding a fair rent split can help maintain harmony. Understanding your rights and following best practices can prevent misunderstandings or legal issues under Maine law.

Understanding Shared Rentals and Roommate Agreements

When multiple people rent a property together, clear agreements are essential. In Maine, tenants on a joint lease are all legally responsible for the entire rent, unless otherwise specified in writing. This means if one person doesn’t pay, the landlord could legally require the remaining tenants to cover the shortfall.

Joint lease: Everyone signs one lease and shares legal responsibility.
Individual leases: Each roommate has a separate lease for their own room or space.

Discussing responsibilities before moving in can prevent future issues. It’s wise to create a roommate agreement—a written document that details each person’s share of rent and bills. While not legally binding for landlords, these can help resolve disputes among co-tenants.

Popular Rent Splitting Methods

There are several ways roommates in Maine commonly split rent:

Equal Split: Divide the full rent evenly among all roommates, regardless of room size or amenities.
By Room Size or Features: Adjust each roommate’s share based on room size, access to a private bathroom, or other perks.
Income-Based: Those earning more pay a higher portion, if everyone agrees.
Custom Arrangement: Negotiate any other fair division, such as for couples or those who spend more time at home.

Using free online rent calculators can help roommates objectively determine a fair split. Don't forget to discuss and agree on how to handle shared expenses—such as utilities, internet, or renters insurance.

Legal Protections and Considerations in Maine

As renters in Maine, your rights are protected under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 14, Chapter 709: Rental Property^[1]. The Maine Attorney General's Office provides guidance for renters and tenants on shared housing situations. However, only people who are listed on the official lease are legally recognized as tenants by landlords. It’s important to review the lease together and get written permission if subletting or taking on a new roommate.

Subletting and Adding Roommates

Subletting means one tenant rents out their space to someone else for a period of time. In Maine, you typically need the landlord’s written consent to sublet or bring in a new roommate.

Maine Notice of Subletting Form: While there is no standardized state form, you can provide written notice to your landlord. Always include the new tenant’s details, the agreed dates, and get written approval. See examples and advice via the Maine Attorney General’s rental resources.

If you need to formally add a roommate, your landlord may require an application and references. Check your lease for any restrictions or steps.

How to Avoid Rent-Related Disputes

Setting clear ground rules and using written agreements are key to preventing misunderstandings. If a dispute does arise, try to resolve it among roommates first. If this fails and your lease is affected, contact your landlord or seek mediation.

Tip: Open communication and a written agreement can save you time, money, and stress if a disagreement occurs.

What If a Roommate Moves Out Early?

If someone moves out before the lease ends, the remaining tenants may still owe the full rent. Consider including early-move-out terms in your roommate agreement. In some cases, you may need to notify your landlord and seek a new tenant.

Key Official Forms for Maine Roommates

Roommate Agreement (sample): Not an official government form but highly recommended. Discuss and write out expectations for rent, utilities, chores, noise, and guests. Sample template from Maine Attorney General.
Subletting Notice: Write a letter describing the proposed new roommate and dates. Give it to your landlord well in advance. For guidelines, see the Attorney General's renting page. The landlord must approve any new tenant in writing.

If your landlord is not responding or you believe they're violating tenancy law, you can contact the Maine District Court, which handles residential tenancy disputes.

FAQ: Roommates and Rent Splitting in Maine

Is it legally required to split rent equally among roommates in Maine? No, the law does not dictate how roommates divide rent—it's up to your agreement. However, all tenants on a joint lease are responsible for the full rent.
Can my landlord evict me if a roommate doesn't pay their share? Yes, if everyone is on the same lease, late or missing payments can affect all tenants. The landlord can serve a notice to quit if rent is unpaid.
What should I do before adding a new roommate? Always check your lease for rules about new occupants. Obtain the landlord’s written approval and document the agreement with your current roommates.
Where do I get official forms for tenancy disputes in Maine? Most forms, including for eviction or mediation, are available from the Maine District Court forms page.
What happens if a roommate leaves before our lease ends? The remaining tenants may have to cover their share of rent unless the landlord or a written agreement says otherwise. It’s important to communicate changes quickly and in writing.

Conclusion: Three Key Takeaways

Open discussion and written roommate agreements help prevent rent disputes in Maine.
All co-tenants on a joint lease share full legal responsibility for rent, regardless of your split.
Know your rights under Maine rental law and seek official forms or help if conflicts arise.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Maine Attorney General's Renter Rights page – Guidance, templates, and contacts.
Maine District Court – Landlord/Tenant Division – The authority handling tenancy disputes, eviction cases, and forms.
Maine statutes on landlord/tenant law – The complete text of current laws governing residential rental agreements.