Maine Required Lease Disclosures: What Renters Must Know

Understanding your rights as a renter in Maine starts with knowing what disclosures your landlord must legally provide. Maine law requires landlords to give tenants important information at the start and during a lease. This article breaks down what disclosures are required, explains the official forms involved, and shows you where to get help if needed.

Which Disclosures Are Required in Maine Residential Leases?

Before moving in or signing a lease, landlords in Maine must provide certain important disclosures to renters. These ensure transparency and help protect both parties.

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: For homes built before 1978, landlords must give prospective tenants a federally-mandated lead disclosure form and the EPA booklet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home."
  Read about the federal Lead Disclosure Rule
• Energy Efficiency Disclosure (Energy Efficiency Disclosure Statement): Landlords must disclose certain energy efficiency information, such as types of insulation used, upon written tenant request.
  Download Maine's Energy Efficiency Disclosure Form
• Bedbug Disclosure: If a rental unit is known to have or recently had bedbug infestations, the landlord must disclose this plus any remediation done.
  Details on Bedbug Law
• Radon Disclosure: Landlords must test for radon every 10 years and provide tenants with the most recent test results and a State-approved radon information pamphlet.
  View Radon Disclosure Factsheet
• Security Deposit Statement: The landlord must state where the security deposit is held (the name of the bank or institution).
• Domestic Violence Protections Notice: Maine law requires landlords to disclose the rights of tenants relating to domestic violence or sexual assault.
  Read about Domestic Violence Disclosure
• Utility Metering and Shared Bills: If any services (heat, electricity, water) are shared with other units and not separately metered, this must be clearly disclosed in the lease.

These disclosures must usually be given in writing, often as part of the lease agreement or as attached forms.

Official Disclosure Forms: Names, Uses, and Where to Find Them

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA/HUD)
  When to use: If your rental was built before 1978, this must be given before signing the lease.
  Renter Example: If you’re signing a lease for a 1960s apartment, your landlord must give you both the form and lead information pamphlet.
  Lead Disclosure Form (PDF)
• Energy Efficiency Disclosure Statement (Maine Public Utilities Commission Form)
  When to use: If you request information on insulation and energy use, your landlord must fill out this form.
  Renter Example: If heating costs matter, ask your landlord in writing for this form before signing.
  Download the Energy Efficiency Disclosure Form
• Radon Test Disclosure Pamphlet (Maine CDC)
  When to use: With every new lease or every 10 years, landlords must provide the latest radon test results and the State’s pamphlet.
  Renter Example: When renting, ask for the most recent radon test record and the official factsheet.
  Maine Radon Disclosure Factsheet

Other disclosures (like security deposit bank or bedbug history) are typically part of your written lease or provided as a separate notice.

What If a Required Disclosure Is Missing?

If a landlord fails to provide these disclosures, it could affect your rights as a renter. Always request missing information in writing. For lead and radon disclosures, there may be penalties for non-compliance.

State Agency Oversight and Where to File Complaints

Residential tenancy disputes or complaints about required disclosures in Maine are overseen by both the Maine State Housing Authority and local courts. For housing code and disclosure violations, contact:

• Maine State Housing Authority
• Office of the Maine Attorney General – Consumer Housing Protection
• Your local district court for formal disputes (Find your Maine District Court)

Relevant Maine Rental Laws and Legislation

The key rules about lease disclosures are explained in Maine law, particularly:

• Maine Revised Statutes Title 14, Chapter 709 – Residential Landlord and Tenant Law
• Maine Statutes on Security Deposits
• Bedbug Disclosure Law in Maine
• Radon Disclosure Statute (14 M.R.S. § 6030-D)

For the most up-to-date rules, check the State of Maine’s official statutes website or speak with the housing authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord won't give me the required disclosures?
   Politely request the missing disclosure in writing, and keep a copy. If issues persist, contact the Maine State Housing Authority or your local court for help.
2. Are all disclosures mandatory for every rental?
   No. Some, like the lead-based paint form, only apply if the home was built before 1978. Others, like bedbug or radon disclosures, may depend on the building and local laws.
3. Can I break my lease if the landlord violates disclosure laws?
   Serious violations may affect your rights, but you should first seek legal or housing authority advice before taking any action.
4. What if I'm worried about lead or radon but haven't received any information?
   Ask your landlord for the relevant documents and test results. If refused, contact the Maine CDC or housing agency for guidance.
5. Are disclosures different for month-to-month leases?
   Required disclosures apply to all leases, including month-to-month and renewed agreements, not just fixed-term contracts.

Key Takeaways for Maine Renters

• Maine law requires landlords to provide several specific lease disclosures, including lead, radon, and bedbug information when relevant.
• Always review and keep copies of any signed disclosure forms as part of your lease.
• If you’re missing a required form or notice, request it in writing and reach out to state agencies if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maine State Housing Authority – Renter Resources
• Maine Attorney General – Consumer Housing Protection
• Maine CDC – Radon Information for Tenants
• Maine District Courts for Housing Disputes

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1. Maine Revised Statutes Title 14, Chapter 709 – Residential Landlord and Tenant Law
2. EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule
3. Maine PUC Energy Efficiency Disclosure Form
4. Maine Bedbug Disclosure Law
5. Maine Radon Disclosure Statute

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