Rights of Tenants in Maine:
Tips Before You Rent
CONTENTS
Introduction: How to Use This Online Handbook
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Read a lease carefully before you sign.
Ask about anything you do not understand. Look for hidden charges or
penalties. If you sign the lease, you may be stuck paying those charges.
- If something is important to you, get it in writing. Don't count on
an oral promise.
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If the building was built before 1978, beware
of possible lead-based paint problems. Owners of these older buildings
must tell you of any known lead-based hazards and show you any relevant records before you rent.
Your landlord must give you a
form notice
explaining the dangers of lead-based paint.
He must also give
you a pamphlet called
"Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home".
Read more.
- If a landlord suggests that you buy a surety bond, instead of paying a security
deposit, be careful. A few of basic rules about surety bonds:
- You cannot be forced to buy one. It is your choice.
- You will not get back the money you pay for the bond, even if you owe the landlord
nothing when you move out.
- Although a surety bond can save you money in the short-run, it may cost you
more in the long-run if you leave owing rent or damages. The surety company
can choose to sue you for the money it pays to the landlord under the bond.
- Buying a bond will not save you from getting a bad mark on your
credit report, if you leave owing the landlord money.
Contact Pine Tree Legal for more information
- Find out who pays for hot water, heat, electricity, parking, snow
removal, and trash disposal.
- Find the utility controls. Ask questions. Where is the thermostat?
Who controls it? Where is the electric box? Where is the hot water heater?
- If you will be paying an electric bill, ask the electric company for
billing on your unit for the past 12 months. The company must tell you.
The same rule applies to natural gas pipeline utilities.
- Ask to see the landlord's "Energy Efficiency Disclosure Statement." He is
required to post it in the building and to have you read and sign it before you rent.
Get a copy of the form and more information about this law.
- Be sure that all utilities and appliances are working right. Make
sure the landlord agrees to fix appliances, furnace and all other building systems.
- If you share rent, remember that the landlord can charge you for all
of the rent if your roommates don't pay their share.
- Try to talk with another tenant about the building and the landlord.
- Check about off-street parking, public transportation, and stores.
Try to check the neighborhood at night.
- Check to see that all the windows and doors can be locked
and are not broken. Are there window screens?
- Your landlord's insurance probably does not protect you from damage
or loss of your furniture or other property. Consider buying tenant's
insurance if you want this protection.
- Make a list of major problems in the apartment. Include the condition
of walls, floors, windows, and other areas. Try to get the landlord
to sign your list. This will help protect you when it comes time to
move out.
- Be careful about putting money down to "hold the apartment." If you
decide later not to rent it, the landlord may refuse to return your money.
You can sue him in Small Claims Court, but this will take time. Also, depending
on how the judge interprets your agreement, you may not get all of your money
back. For example, the court may decide that you put the money down as a
security deposit.
More on security deposits.
- If a landlord suggests that you buy a surety bond, instead of paying a security deposit, be careful. A few basic rules about surety bonds:
1. You cannot be forced to buy one. It is your choice.
2. You will not get back the money you pay for the bond, even if you owe the landlord nothing when you move out.
3. Although a surety bond can save you money in the short-run, it may cost you more in the long-run if you leave owing rent or damages. The surety company can choose to sue you for the money it pays to the landlord under the bond.
4. Buying a bond may not save you from getting a bad mark on your credit report, if you leave owing the landlord money. Contact Pine Tree Legal for more information
- Get something to keep your records in. Keep in your file:
your lease or rental agreement
security deposit receipt
list of things wrong with the apartment
rent receipts (or cancelled checks)
landlord's address and phone number
all other papers about your tenancy
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Notice
© Pine Tree
Legal Assistance
April 2009
Sometimes the laws
change. We cannot promise that this information is always
up-to-date and correct. If the date above is not this year,
call us to see if there is an update.
We provide this
information as a public service. It is not legal advice.
By sending you this information, we are not acting as your lawyer.
Always consult a lawyer, if you can, before taking legal action.
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