Maine Security Deposit Law
Return deadline, statute, and penalties for Maine renters.
Return deadline
30 days
For a written lease, the period the lease states (no more than 30 days); 21 days for a tenancy at will.
Penalty for late or wrongful withholding
2× the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney fees and costs
The tenant must give 7 days' notice before suing; if the landlord doesn't return the deposit in that time, wrongful retention is presumed.
Governing statute
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, §§ 6033, 6034
Did your Maine landlord miss the deadline?
Enter your move-out date and deposit to see your exact deadline, whether it has passed, and the maximum penalty. It's free.
Check my Maine deadlineMaine security deposit questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maine?
Under Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, §§ 6033, 6034, a Maine landlord generally has 30 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. For a written lease, the period the lease states (no more than 30 days); 21 days for a tenancy at will.
What happens if a Maine landlord returns the deposit late?
2× the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney fees and costs. Courts usually decide whether a penalty applies, and many states require showing the landlord acted in bad faith. The tenant must give 7 days' notice before suing; if the landlord doesn't return the deposit in that time, wrongful retention is presumed.
Can a Maine landlord deduct from my deposit?
Landlords can generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, and must explain deductions in writing.
How do I demand my security deposit back in Maine?
Send your landlord a written demand letter that cites Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, §§ 6033, 6034, states the amount owed, and sets a deadline to pay. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy. If the landlord doesn't pay, the letter is useful evidence in small claims court.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Read the official text of Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, §§ 6033, 6034. This page is general information, not legal advice. See our terms of use.