Maine Rental Application Overview
Maine provides strong tenant protections including source of income protection, criminal history restrictions, and broad fair housing coverage. The state is moderately tenant-friendly in its screening requirements.
Maine does not have a specific statutory cap on rental application fees, but the state's consumer protection laws may limit fees that are unreasonable or not tied to actual screening costs.
No state cap
Max application fee
Yes, with written co
Credit check
Restrictions on crim
Criminal bg check
2.5-3x monthly rent
Income requirement
Maine Tenant Screening Laws
Application Fee Rules
Maine does not have a specific statutory cap on rental application fees, but the state's consumer protection laws may limit fees that are unreasonable or not tied to actual screening costs.
Criminal Background Check Rules
Maine has enacted restrictions on the use of criminal history in housing. Landlords should conduct individualized assessments and cannot apply blanket criminal history bans. Maine law limits the consideration of certain types of criminal records.
Credit Check Requirements
Maine landlords can run credit checks with written consent per the FCRA. No additional state restrictions on credit screening.
Fair Housing Protections
The Maine Human Rights Act provides broad protections including sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, and age. The Maine Human Rights Commission handles housing discrimination complaints.
Source of Income Protection
Maine prohibits discrimination based on source of income. Landlords cannot reject applicants solely because their income comes from Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Social Security, disability benefits, child support, alimony, or other lawful income sources. Violations can result in fair housing complaints and penalties.
Maine Screening Criteria
Maine landlords typically evaluate the following criteria when reviewing rental applications. All screening must comply with federal and Maine state fair housing laws.
- Credit Score: Most Maine landlords look for a credit score of 620 or higher, though thresholds vary by property and market
- Income: Gross monthly income of at least 2.5-3x monthly rent is the standard requirement
- Rental History: Positive references from previous landlords, no evictions, and a record of on-time rent payments
- Employment Verification: Stable employment or verifiable income sufficient to cover rent and living expenses
- Background Check: Subject to Maine's restrictions on criminal history screening
How to Fill Out a Maine Rental Application
Follow these steps to properly complete your Maine rental application. Our template includes all sections required for Maine-compliant tenant screening.
Provide Personal Information
Enter your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, email, and current address. Your SSN is required for the credit check and will be handled securely per Maine data protection requirements.
Detail Your Rental History
List your current and previous addresses for the past 2-3 years, including landlord names and contact information, monthly rent, dates of tenancy, and reason for leaving. Maine landlords will contact your previous landlords to verify this information.
Enter Employment and Income Details
Provide your employer's name, address, your position, length of employment, and gross monthly income. Include all income sources. Most Maine landlords require income of at least 2.5-3x monthly rent.
Add References
Include 2-3 personal or professional references with their names, phone numbers, and your relationship. Let them know they may be contacted. Strong references can strengthen your application, especially if you have limited rental history.
Sign Authorization Forms
Review and sign the credit check authorization, background check consent, and FCRA disclosure. These are required by federal law before the landlord can access your consumer reports. The authorization is specific to this application and cannot be used for other purposes.
Submit with Supporting Documents
Attach copies of your photo ID, recent pay stubs, and any other requested documentation. Pay the application fee if required. Maine does not cap application fees.
Maine Rental Application Fees & Costs
Here's a breakdown of typical rental application costs in Maine. Fees vary by landlord and screening service used.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $25-$50 |
| Credit Check | $15-$40 (often included in application fee) |
| Background Check | $20-$50 (often included in application fee) |
| Refundable? | Typically non-refundable |
Sample Maine Rental Application
Below is a preview of our Maine-specific rental application. Your customized document will include all fields and disclosures required under Maine law.
STATE OF MAINE
RENTAL APPLICATION
Tenant Screening Form
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name: [Legal Name]
Date of Birth: [DOB] SSN: [XXX-XX-XXXX]
Phone: [Phone] Email: [Email]
RENTAL HISTORY
Current Address: [Maine Address]
Landlord: [Name] Rent: $[Amount]
EMPLOYMENT & INCOME
Employer: [Company]
Monthly Income: $[Amount]
AUTHORIZATION
I authorize the landlord to obtain my credit report, conduct a background check, and verify the information provided in this application in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Maine state law...
Maine Rental Application FAQ
Answers to common questions about rental applications, tenant screening, and landlord requirements in Maine.
Official Maine Resources
Use these official resources to learn more about Maine tenant screening laws, fair housing requirements, and your rights as a landlord or tenant.
Other Maine Documents
Need other rental and lease documents for Maine? We offer state-specific templates for every type of landlord-tenant document.
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