Security deposit law · Maine

Maine Security Deposit Law: How to Get Your Deposit Back

If you rent in Maine, the law gives you specific rights when you move out — a deadline for your landlord to return your deposit, rules on deductions, and a path to push back if they don't. Here's exactly how it works, and how to protect yourself.

Return deadline30 days
Governing statuteMe. Rev. Stat. tit. 14 § 6033
Deposit limit2 months of rent
Itemized deductionsRequired
Interest on depositNot required by statute
Last reviewedMay 2026

Maine-specific rules to know

Statewide deposit cap is 2 months' rent. Written-lease return clock is up to 30 days (as the lease specifies, per § 6033(2)(A)); tenancy-at-will is 21 days from move-out or surrender (§ 6033(2)(B)). Itemised statement required for any deduction — missing it forfeits the entire withholding. Wrongful retention: 2× the wrongfully withheld amount + attorney fees, after a mandatory 7-day pre-suit notice. Owner-occupied buildings of 5 or fewer units are exempt from the chapter. In Portland, the local Rent Stabilization Ordinance caps deposits at 1 month's rent for covered units.

What Maine law requires your landlord to do

Under Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14 § 6033, a Maine landlord generally must return your deposit within 30 days and provide a written, itemized list of any amounts withheld. They may not deduct for ordinary wear and tear — only for damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent, or other charges the lease and statute allow.

What to do if your landlord won't return your deposit in Maine

  1. 1. Know your deadline

    In Maine, the return window is 30 days (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14 § 6033). Mark the date you moved out and count forward.

  2. 2. Send a written demand

    Email and mail a dated letter requesting your full deposit, referencing the 30-day deadline under Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14 § 6033. Keep proof of delivery. Renter's Vault generates a Maine-specific letter with the right statute citation filled in.

  3. 3. Gather your evidence

    Move-in and move-out photos with timestamps and location are the difference between your word and theirs. Attach your photo record and any move-in checklist.

  4. 4. Escalate to small claims

    If the landlord misses the deadline or won't respond, you can file in small claims court. Bring your dated demand letter and photo evidence.

Free Maine dispute-letter guide

A clear, statute-cited demand letter resolves most deposit disputes without ever going to court. Renter's Vault builds a Maine letter for you — pre-filled with Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14 § 6033, your deadline, and your deductions — in three escalating versions (first request, formal demand, and notice of intent to file).

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Maine security deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maine?

Under Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14 § 6033, a Maine landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days after you move out, along with an itemized statement of any deductions.

What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Maine?

Send a written demand letter that cites Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14 § 6033 and the deadline, keep copies of all communication and your move-in/move-out photos, and if that fails you can file in small claims court. Many states allow extra damages when a landlord withholds a deposit in bad faith.

Is there a limit on how much a landlord can charge for a deposit in Maine?

In Maine, the statutory deposit limit is: 2 months of rent. Always confirm against the current statute, since limits and exceptions change.

Are there any special deposit rules in Maine?

Yes. Notable Maine rules: Statewide deposit cap is 2 months' rent. Written-lease return clock is up to 30 days (as the lease specifies, per § 6033(2)(A)); tenancy-at-will is 21 days from move-out or surrender (§ 6033(2)(B)). Itemised statement required for any deduction — missing it forfeits the entire withholding. Wrongful retention: 2× the wrongfully withheld amount + attorney fees, after a mandatory 7-day pre-suit notice. Owner-occupied buildings of 5 or fewer units are exempt from the chapter. In Portland, the local Rent Stabilization Ordinance caps deposits at 1 month's rent for covered units.

This page is general information for tenants, not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm the current text of Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14 § 6033 or consult a local attorney or tenants' rights organization for your situation. Last reviewed May 2026.