Maine Security Deposit Law
Maine rules on security deposits for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-23.
Short answer: 2 months' rent 14 M.R.S. § 6032
The rules in Maine
| Security deposit limit | 2 months' rent Separately, 14 M.R.S. § 6022-A (enacted PL 2023, c. 594) caps the total initial amount a landlord may require at move-in to first full month's rent + security deposit (as limited by § 6032) + any properly disclosed mandatory recurring fee (https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6022-A.html). Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6032 |
|---|---|
| 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. A landlord who misses the deadline or fails to give the written statement forfeits the right to withhold any part of the deposit (§ 6033(3)). 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. Permitted deductions listed include unpaid rent, unpaid utilities owed to the landlord, and storage/disposal of unclaimed property. Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6033(1)-(2) |
| Interest on deposits | No statutory interest requirement Neither § 6032 nor § 6038 requires interest. § 6038 requires the deposit to be held in an account at a bank or other financial institution, not commingled with the landlord's assets, and protected from the landlord's creditors; on request the landlord must disclose the institution name and account number. Source: 14 M.R.S. §§ 6032, 6038 |
| 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 |
Free calculators
- Security Deposit Deadline Calculator — See when your landlord must return your deposit, and the penalty your state sets if they don't.
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Related questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
- What can a landlord charge for at move-out (cleaning, painting, carpet)?
Maine vs. neighboring states
| State | Security deposit limit | Deposit return deadline | Itemized deductions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | 2 months' rent 14 M.R.S. § 6032 | 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. 14 M.R.S. § 6033(2) | 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. 14 M.R.S. § 6033(1)-(2) |
| New Hampshire | One month's rent or $100, whichever is greater. RSA 540-A:6, I(a) | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends. RSA 540-A:7, I | Yes. Written, itemized list of damages beyond reasonable wear and tear, describing each repair with satisfactory evidence it was or will be done (receipts, estimates, invoices); unpaid rent or other charges must be itemized with the period covered. RSA 540-A:7 |
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- Free legal help in Maine
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Maine Security Deposit Law FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maine?
2 months' rent (14 M.R.S. § 6032)
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maine?
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. (14 M.R.S. § 6033(2))
Does a landlord in Maine have to give an itemized list of deposit 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. (14 M.R.S. § 6033(1)-(2))
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Maine?
No statutory interest requirement (14 M.R.S. §§ 6032, 6038)
What happens if a landlord in Maine wrongfully keeps a security deposit?
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. (14 M.R.S. § 6034)
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.