What if my landlord refuses to provide a lead paint disclosure?

If your rental was built before 1978 and you did not receive a lead paint disclosure, you may terminate the lease or seek damages. You can also report this to the EPA or local code enforcement.

Are landlords required to test for radon in Maine rentals?

Landlords must disclose results from any radon tests done in the past 10 years but do not have to perform new tests. They must provide radon safety information.

Is a landlord required to disclose prior bed bug infestations?

Maine law does not require landlords to disclose past bed bug problems, but they must respond quickly to current infestation complaints.

Do I get a copy of all disclosures, or just sign them?

You should receive and keep signed copies of all mandatory disclosures, such as lead paint and radon forms, when you sign the lease.

What if I discover a meth lab history that was not disclosed?

If your landlord knew of a prior meth lab and did not disclose it, you may end the lease and seek further remedies in District Court.

Maine Landlord Disclosures: What Renters Must Know Before Move-In

Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Maine published: June 21, 2025

Before you move into a rental property in Maine, your landlord is required by state law to provide specific disclosures. These rules help ensure a fair and transparent rental experience. This guide explains what disclosures your landlord must provide, what legal protections you have, and what forms or official steps are involved.

Essential Disclosures Landlords Must Provide in Maine

Maine law requires landlords to give new tenants particular information before the lease begins. Understanding these disclosures ensures your move-in is informed and your rights are protected under state law.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Federal and State Law)

If the rental unit was built before 1978, landlords must provide an official Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form and the EPA booklet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home."
Example: When signing a lease for a 1960s apartment, your landlord gives you this form and booklet to sign and keep.

Energy Efficiency Disclosure

All landlords must provide a written statement on the energy efficiency of the rental unit, including recent energy consumption data if available (per 14 M.R.S. § 6030-C).
Example: Your landlord shares the past 12 months of heating bills or an energy efficiency checklist before you sign the lease.
This helps you estimate utility costs before agreeing to rent.

Beds and Mattresses Condition Disclosure

Before move-in, any furnishings—especially beds and mattresses—must be disclosed as new or used under 14 M.R.S. § 6021.
Example: A lease addendum lists provided furniture as “new,” “used,” or “reconditioned.”

Radon Disclosure (Effective 2023)

Landlords are required to give a written notice on radon hazards and provide the results of any radon tests from the last 10 years (Maine CDC Radon Disclosure Form).
A copy of the Radon Notice and Disclosure Form is signed by both parties.
Example: Landlord provides test results and asks you to sign the radon disclosure as part of the lease process.

Former Methamphetamine Lab Disclosure

If the rental property was used for the manufacture of methamphetamine, this must be disclosed (14 M.R.S. § 6030-D).
Example: The landlord notifies you in writing if the unit was previously a meth lab and whether it has been cleaned up according to state health standards.

Official Forms and Where to Find Them

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form – Download from the EPA website.
Radon Notice and Disclosure Form – Get the latest form from the Maine CDC.

Your landlord should provide these at lease signing. When in doubt, you can request a copy from your landlord or download a blank version from the official sites linked above.

Key Laws and Enforcement: Who Oversees Rental Disclosures?

In Maine, tenant and landlord disputes about move-in disclosures or lease issues are usually resolved by the local district court. There is no specialized residential tenancy board, but the Maine District Courts handle landlord-tenant actions.

The primary legislation governing rental housing is the Maine Uniform Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 14, Chapter 709).

What Happens If Landlords Don’t Follow Disclosure Rules?

As a renter, you may be entitled to remedies such as canceling the lease, withholding rent, or taking legal action if required disclosures aren’t provided.
If you suspect the law has been broken, file a complaint with your local code enforcement office or consider initiating an action at the District Court.

If you feel your landlord has not provided the disclosures required by Maine law, consider consulting a local legal aid organization for guidance.

FAQ: Maine Rental Disclosure Questions

What if my landlord refuses to provide a lead paint disclosure?
If your unit was built before 1978 and you did not receive the disclosure, you may have grounds to terminate the lease or seek damages. You can also report the violation to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or local code enforcement.
Are landlords required to test for radon in Maine rentals?
Landlords must disclose any known test results from the past 10 years but are not required to conduct new tests. They must also provide radon safety information.
Is a landlord required to disclose prior bed bug infestations?
Maine law does not require disclosure of past bed bug issues, but it does require prompt action on infestation complaints under Title 14, Section 6021-A.
Do I get a copy of all disclosures, or just sign them?
You should receive a signed copy of all disclosure forms, including lead paint and radon materials, at the same time you sign your lease.
What if I discover a meth lab history that was not disclosed?
If your landlord fails to disclose a known history, you may end the lease and seek further remedies through the local District Court.

Conclusion: Maine Disclosure Rules – What to Remember

Maine landlords must give written disclosures on lead paint (if applicable), energy efficiency, radon, and meth lab history before move-in.
Renter protections are rooted in the Maine Uniform Landlord and Tenant Act.
Keep copies of all signed forms—these protect your rights if issues arise later.

Knowing your disclosure rights helps ensure your Maine rental starts on the right foot. If you’re missing information, request it from your landlord and seek legal advice if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Lead Paint Disclosure: EPA Lead Disclosure Rules
Energy Efficiency: 14 M.R.S. § 6030-C
Radon Disclosure: 14 M.R.S. § 6030-B
Beds/Mattresses: 14 M.R.S. § 6021
Methamphetamine Lab: 14 M.R.S. § 6030-D
Main Tenancy Law: Maine Uniform Landlord and Tenant Act