Key answer: The cap is 4% of the amount due for the month. Rent must be 15 or more days past due before any late fee may be charged.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee cap | 4% of the amount due for the month |
| Grace period | 15 days (rent not late until day 16) |
| Must be in lease? | Required — no clause, no fee |
| Source | Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14 §6028 |
With monthly rent $1500, the maximum late fee is $60.
What is the maximum late fee a landlord can charge in Maine?
The cap is 4% of the amount due for the month.
When can a Maine landlord charge a late fee?
Rent must be 15 or more days past due before any late fee may be charged.
Does the late fee have to be in the lease in Maine?
Yes. The fee must be in the written lease or rental agreement — no clause, no fee.
Can a Maine landlord charge a daily late fee?
Only if the lease allows it and the total charge stays within the legal cap — a daily fee cannot be used to get around the limit.
What happens if a Maine landlord charges an illegal late fee?
A fee above the legal limit can be challenged; courts may void the fee or the entire clause as unconscionable.
We have not confirmed a statewide rent-increase cap for Maine. Notice requirements depend on the lease type (month-to-month vs. fixed term) — check your lease and local rules.
State guides: Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming · Washington D.C.
Not legal advice. Verify against your lease and local rules.
Calculate your Maine late fee