Maine Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Maine facts

Security deposit 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. 14 M.R.S. § 6033(2)

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

7-day written notice to quit (tenancy at will) when rent is 7 or more days in arrears. Paying the full rent due before the notice expires voids it. 14 M.R.S. § 6002(1)(C), (1), (2)

Small claims limit

$10,000, not counting interest and costs (effective January 1, 2026). Actions involving title to real estate are not small claims. 14 M.R.S. § 7482

Small estate affidavit

Personal property can be collected by affidavit if the entire estate, less liens and encumbrances, is no more than $40,000 adjusted for inflation ($52,500 for deaths in 2026), at least 30 days have passed since death… 18-C M.R.S. § 3-1201

Cost of a protective order

No filing or service fees for Protection from Abuse cases. A Protection from Harassment complaint may have a filing fee unless it is based on domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, sex trafficking, or sharing of… PUB-001 Part A.5 and Part B.6

Minimum wage

$15.10 per hour since January 1, 2026. The rate is adjusted each January 1 for the cost of living. Portland and Rockland have their own local minimum wage ordinances. 26 M.R.S. §664(1); Maine Department of Labor minimum wage page

Final paycheck if fired

Full pay is due no later than the employee's next regular payday. 26 M.R.S. §626

Time limit to sue on a debt

6 years for most civil actions, including suits on written or oral contracts. 20 years only for contracts under seal or promissory notes signed in front of an attesting witness. 14 M.R.S. § 752; 14 M.R.S. § 751