Maine Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Maine security deposit demand letter that follows Maine law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What Maine law says
| Deposit return deadline | Written rental agreement: within the time stated in the agreement, which may not exceed 30 days. Tenancy at will: 21 days after termination or surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever is later. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6033(2) |
|---|---|
| Itemized deductions | If any part is withheld, the landlord must give a written statement itemizing the reasons for retention and return the balance within the § 6033 deadline. Normal wear and tear may not be deducted. Mailing to the tenant's last known address satisfies the requirement. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6033(1)-(2) |
| Penalty for withholding | Twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs. Tenant must give the landlord at least 7 days' notice of intent to sue; if the deposit is not returned within those 7 days, wrongful retention is presumed. Landlord bears the burden of proving the withholding was not wrongful. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6034 |
| Wear and tear / move-out charges | Defined by statute: deterioration that occurs from the intended use without negligence, carelessness, accident or abuse by the tenant, household members or guests. A deposit cannot be kept for normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear does not include removing trash or other items the tenant left behind. If the unit was rented in habitable condition, it also does not include the cost of restoring it to habitable condition, which can include cleaning, unless the landlord or outside events caused the need. Deductions may also cover storing and disposing of unclaimed property, unpaid rent and unpaid utilities owed to the landlord. |
Fill in your letter
Nothing you type leaves your browser. Replace anything still highlighted. If a lease, city rule or court form requires different wording, that controls.
To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under 14 M.R.S. § 6033(2), a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by 14 M.R.S. § 6034.
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
Security Deposit Demand Letter templates for other states · All Maine landlord-tenant rules · Free legal help in Maine
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.