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Maine Late Fee Laws

Last reviewed: July 10, 2026

Maximum late fee
4% of monthly rent
Grace period
15 days
Statute
14 M.R.S. § 6028

Maine caps residential late fees at 4% of the monthly rent under 14 M.R.S. § 6028. A lease can agree to less, but a fee above the statutory limit is generally unenforceable no matter what the lease says.

Timing matters as much as the amount: rent must be at least 15 days past due before a late fee can be assessed. A fee charged inside that window isn't collectible in Maine, even when the lease provides for it.

Maine is the strictest state in the country on both dimensions: the fee can't exceed 4% of one month's rent and can't be charged until rent is 15 days late. The landlord must also disclose the late fee policy in writing at the start of the tenancy.

Calculate a late fee with Maine's limits preloaded

Automate Maine's late fee rules

StackRent tracks every due date, waits out the 15-day grace period and keeps every charge within 4% of the monthly rent, and posts the fee to the ledger — automatically, across your whole portfolio.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum late fee in Maine?
State law limits the fee to 4% of the monthly rent (14 M.R.S. § 6028). Charging above that is generally unenforceable.
Is there a required grace period in Maine?
Yes — rent must be at least 15 days past due before a late fee can be charged under 14 M.R.S. § 6028.
Where is this in Maine law?
The controlling provision is 14 M.R.S. § 6028. Legislatures amend these rules, so always confirm the current text via the official source linked above.

This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — confirm current requirements for your jurisdiction before acting.

Late fee laws in other states