Maine security deposit law
The state rules a landlord in Maine has to follow for a residential security deposit, from 14 M.R.S. 6032-6035.
- Maximum deposit
- Two months' rent.
- Deadline to return it
- Within the time stated in the written lease, up to 30 days; 21 days after a tenancy at will ends.
- Itemized deductions
- Written statement itemizing the reasons for keeping any part, with payment of the balance.
- Interest on the deposit
- Not required by state law
- Penalty for wrongful withholding
- Landlord loses the right to keep any of it if the deadline is missed; wrongful retention costs double the amount withheld plus attorney fees and court costs.
Before you keep any part of a deposit
- Compare the unit with the move-in inspection and photos. Normal wear and tear is generally not chargeable.
- Keep receipts or written estimates for every deduction.
- Send the return or the itemized list within the deadline above, to the tenant's forwarding address, and keep proof of mailing.
Working out the last month's rent? The prorated rent calculator does the partial-month math.
Source
Verification status: verified summary. Research date: November 5, 2026. Statute: 14 M.R.S. 6032-6035. Source: legislature.maine.gov.
General information, not legal advice. Cities and counties can add stricter rules, and laws change. Check the current statute or a local attorney before you act.
Other states: Louisiana · Maryland · all states
Last updated November 5, 2026.