Maine Move-In Inspection Checklist: Renter Must-Knows

Before signing a lease or moving into a new rental in Maine, it’s crucial to inspect your future home carefully. Completing a thorough move-in checklist can help prevent disputes about damages, ensure legal compliance, and protect your security deposit. This guide explains what to look for, what Maine law requires, and how to document your findings.

Why a Move-In Checklist Matters in Maine

A move-in checklist is a written record of the rental’s condition at the start of your tenancy. Maine law doesn’t mandate a specific move-in inspection form, but documenting everything benefits both tenant and landlord. It’s especially important if you want your security deposit returned when your lease ends.^[1]

What to Inspect Before Signing a Lease

• Locks and windows: Ensure all windows latch securely and doors lock properly
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: State law requires functioning smoke and CO detectors in most homes. Test them and note locations.^[2]
• Appliances: Check the stove, oven, refrigerator, and other provided appliances for proper operation
• Plumbing: Run taps, flush toilets, and look for leaks under sinks or around the base of the toilet
• Heating and hot water: Test radiators, baseboard heaters, water heaters, or furnace functions
• Mold and moisture: Inspect ceilings, corners, and closets for dampness, water stains, or mildew odors
• Walls and floors: Note any scrapes, stains, carpet tears, or holes (take dated photos)
• Electrical outlets and lighting: Plug in a small device or use a phone charger to test outlets and switches

Walk through the entire property, including the exterior, and record your findings using a checklist or photos. This record may be required to resolve security deposit disputes with your landlord at move-out.

Important Disclosures and Forms for Maine Renters

Maine law requires landlords to disclose specific information before or at the start of your lease. Review these with your landlord:

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Required for housing built before 1978): Federal and state law require landlords to provide a Lead Hazard Information Pamphlet and the official Lead-Based Paint Disclosure form. Review and retain a copy before signing.^[3]
• Energy Efficiency Disclosure: Maine landlords must provide an energy efficiency disclosure form at or before lease signing. Use the official Energy Efficiency Disclosure Form from MaineHousing.
• Bedbug Disclosure: If bedbug treatments have occurred in the last 12 months, the landlord must disclose this to new tenants in writing (per Maine statute).

How to Use These Forms and Disclosures

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form: Ask your landlord for this form and read it thoroughly if your apartment was built before 1978. If not provided, request it in writing before signing the lease.
• Energy Efficiency Disclosure Form: This gives previous energy usage and heating information. Sign the form to acknowledge receipt and keep a copy for your records.
• Bedbug Disclosure: If your landlord reports a recent infestation and you have concerns, ask for treatment details and contact Maine’s landlord-tenant resources if needed.

What Maine Law Says About Inspections

Maine’s landlord-tenant laws, under Title 14, Chapter 709: Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, do not require landlords to provide a formal move-in checklist. However, landlords must maintain the property in a safe, habitable condition and adhere to all required disclosures. If property issues are discovered during your inspection, notify your landlord in writing before moving in.^[1]

Who Handles Rental Issues in Maine?

The Maine District Court oversees landlord-tenant disputes, including those about move-in property condition or return of security deposits.

Documenting Your Inspection – Step by Step

Taking the time to document your move-in conditions safeguards your security deposit and helps resolve any future issues. Here’s a summary of how to conduct an effective move-in inspection:

• Walk through the entire property with (or without) your landlord present
• Use a checklist (your own or any provided by your landlord)
• Take clear, date-stamped photographs of all damages or concerns
• List and describe any wear, stains, or malfunctioning items
• Keep copies of your checklist, photos, and correspondence

1. If your landlord provides an official form (such as the Energy Efficiency Disclosure), sign it only after you’ve reviewed and are satisfied with the information provided.
2. If you notice health or safety violations, write to your landlord promptly and describe the issue. If unresolved, you may contact local code enforcement or pursue remedies through the Maine District Court.

Frequently Asked Questions About Move-In Inspections in Maine

1. Does Maine law require landlords to use a move-in checklist?
   Maine does not mandate a standardized move-in checklist, but creating and keeping one is strongly recommended to protect both parties.
2. What disclosures must landlords provide in Maine?
   Required disclosures include lead paint status (for pre-1978 buildings), bedbug treatments within the past year, and an energy efficiency form.
3. What should I do if I discover problems during my inspection?
   List the issues on your checklist, take photos, and send a dated written notice to your landlord before moving in. Keep copies for your records.
4. How do I get my security deposit back when I move out?
   Having a detailed move-in checklist, photos, and receipts for any agreed repairs will help avoid unfair deductions at the end of your tenancy.
5. Who handles rental disputes in Maine?
   The Maine District Court is responsible for residential tenancy matters.

Key Takeaways for Maine Renters

• Use a move-in checklist and photos to record the property’s condition before signing or moving in
• Ask your landlord for all required disclosures and official forms; keep copies of everything
• Contact Maine District Court or local code enforcement for unresolved health or habitability concerns

Summing up, careful inspection and documentation are your best tools for a smooth tenancy and securing your security deposit in your new Maine home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maine District Court Landlord-Tenant Information – Filing disputes, tenant rights, and procedures
• MaineHousing: Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities – Plain-language summaries, official forms, and contacts
• Energy Efficiency Disclosure Form (official PDF) – Required upon move-in
• Maine CDC: Lead Paint and Rental Tenancy Info
• Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Maine Revised Statutes, Title 14, Chapter 709)

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1. Maine Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 14, Chapter 709)
2. Maine Smoke Detector Law (25 M.R.S. §2468)
3. EPA Lead Paint Disclosure Rule

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