Updated for 2026

Maine Security Deposit Laws & Calculator

Maine gives landlords 30 days to return your deposit under a written lease — or just 21 days for tenancy-at-will agreements. The deposit is capped at 2 months' rent, and wrongful withholding carries a 2x penalty plus attorney fees and court costs.

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Maine Security Deposit — Quick Facts

Return Deadline
30 / 21 Days
Written lease / At-will
Maximum Deposit
2 Months' Rent
Penalty for Late Return
2× Wrongfully Withheld
+ attorney fees + court costs
Interest Required
✗ No
Applicable Law
14 ME Rev. Stat. § 6033–6034
Two Different Deadlines: Maine has different return timelines depending on your lease type. If you have a written lease, the landlord has 30 days. If you have a tenancy at will (no formal lease), the deadline is shorter — just 21 days. Know which type of tenancy you have so you can hold your landlord to the correct deadline.

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Enter your deposit amount and move-out date to see your landlord's deadline and total refund.

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Maine Security Deposit Law — Explained

Return Deadlines: 30 Days vs. 21 Days

Under 14 ME Rev. Stat. § 6033, Maine landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days after the tenancy ends for written leases. For tenancy-at-will arrangements (where there is no formal written lease), the deadline is shorter at 21 days. The landlord must provide an itemized statement of any deductions along with the remaining balance.

What Your Landlord Can Deduct

Maine landlords may deduct for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and other breaches of the lease agreement. Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, faded paint, carpet worn from regular use — cannot be charged to the tenant. The landlord must provide a written, itemized list of all deductions.

The 2x Penalty

If a landlord wrongfully withholds any portion of the security deposit, the tenant can recover up to 2 times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees and court costs. This penalty gives tenants real leverage — but only if you document everything and follow the proper steps to demand your deposit back.

Deposit Cap: 2 Months' Rent

Maine caps security deposits at 2 months' rent. If your landlord collected more than this, you may be entitled to a refund of the excess amount regardless of any deductions. Keep your lease and payment records to verify the amount collected.

What to Do If Your Landlord Won't Return Your Deposit

  1. 1
    Document everything before you leave Take timestamped photos and video of every room. Keep your lease and all communications.
  2. 2
    Send a written demand Use RenterCalc's demand letter generator citing 14 ME Rev. Stat. § 6033–6034. Send via certified mail.
  3. 3
    Wait for the deadline to pass 30 days for written leases or 21 days for tenancy at will.
  4. 4
    File in small claims court Maine's small claims limit is $6,000. You can sue for up to 2x the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees and court costs.

Maine Security Deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maine?
Maine landlords must return the deposit within 30 days for written leases or 21 days for tenancy-at-will agreements.
What is the maximum security deposit in Maine?
Maine caps security deposits at 2 months' rent.
What is the penalty for not returning a security deposit in Maine?
Tenants can recover 2x the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees and court costs.
Does Maine require interest on security deposits?
No. Maine does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits.
How do I get my security deposit back in Maine?
Document the unit at move-out, send a written demand citing 14 ME Rev. Stat. § 6033–6034, and file in small claims court (limit: $6,000) if unresolved.

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