Maine state has various laws regarding the use of rental applications. If your document is not compliant with ME law, you may get sued by the applicant and face legal consequences.
Application Fee
In Maine, landlords are prohibited from charging a general application fee for the review or approval of an application. However, under Maine law (Title 14 § 6030-H), you may charge an applicant for the actual cost of only one of the following: a background check, a credit check, or another screening process. You must notify the applicant that you are required by law to provide them with a copy of the report, and you cannot charge more than one such fee in a 12-month period.
Security Deposit
Landlords cannot charge more than 2 months' rent as a security deposit for an unfurnished apartment under Maine law (§ 6032).
Housing Discrimination Law
Maine has comprehensive state-level protections under the Maine Human Rights Act (MHRA). In addition to the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), Maine law prohibits discrimination based on:
- Race and Color
- National Origin and Ancestry
- Religion
- Sex, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity
- Familial Status (having children)
- Physical or Mental Disability
- Receipt of Public Assistance (e.g., Section 8 vouchers)
As a consequence, you are not allowed to use these details as a basis for rejection on a Maine Rental Application form, nor to include them in the decision-making process.
Notice of Eligibility
You must disclose the screening criteria used during the application process, as well as any factors that could lead to a refusal. To ensure transparency, it is a standard requirement for applicants to provide a signature of acknowledgment. Additionally, Maine law (Title 14 § 6030-J) requires a written disclosure of all recurring service charges and fees before a lease is signed.
Consent Credit Check
Within Maine, federal law is in effect that requires potential renters to provide written consent for a credit history check during the application process. This is known as the Federal Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).