Skip to content
DepositClaimNow

Maine security deposit law: deadline, deductions and penalties

Quick answer

In Maine, a landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions (14 M.R.S. §§ 6033, 6034). Under Maine law, a landlord who wrongfully keeps a deposit can owe up to twice the amount withheld.

Checked against the statute on October 29, 2026.

30

days for a Maine landlord to return the deposit or itemize deductions

The deadline

With a written lease, the landlord must return the deposit or an itemized statement of deductions within the time the lease sets, which can't exceed 30 days; for a tenancy at will, within 21 days.

What the landlord must send you

A written, itemized statement of the reasons for keeping any part of the deposit, with full payment of the difference.

If the landlord misses the deadline

A landlord who misses the deadline forfeits the right to withhold any portion of the deposit (14 M.R.S. § 6033(3)).

Penalty for wrongful withholding

A landlord who wrongfully keeps a deposit is liable for double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs (14 M.R.S. § 6034).

Your forwarding address

Before suing, a tenant must give the landlord 7 days' notice; if the deposit isn't returned in that time, the landlord is presumed to be wrongfully keeping it (14 M.R.S. § 6034). The demand letter serves as that notice.

Read the law

Summary checked against the statute on October 29, 2026. Not legal advice; laws change, so confirm with the source before relying on it.

Free deposit check

Five quick answers. No sign-up. Takes about a minute.

Did the landlord send you a written, itemized list of deductions?

Maine security deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maine?

With a written lease, the landlord must return the deposit or an itemized statement of deductions within the time the lease sets, which can't exceed 30 days; for a tenancy at will, within 21 days.

What must a Maine landlord send when keeping part of the deposit?

A written, itemized statement of the reasons for keeping any part of the deposit, with full payment of the difference.

What happens if a Maine landlord misses the deadline?

A landlord who misses the deadline forfeits the right to withhold any portion of the deposit (14 M.R.S. § 6033(3)).

What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a security deposit in Maine?

A landlord who wrongfully keeps a deposit is liable for double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs (14 M.R.S. § 6034).

Do I need to give my Maine landlord a forwarding address?

Before suing, a tenant must give the landlord 7 days' notice; if the deposit isn't returned in that time, the landlord is presumed to be wrongfully keeping it (14 M.R.S. § 6034). The demand letter serves as that notice.

How do I get my security deposit back in Maine?

Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing, wait for the 30 days deadline, then send a demand letter by certified mail that cites 14 M.R.S. §§ 6033, 6034 and sets a payment date. If the landlord still doesn't pay, you can file in small claims court in the county where the rental is located.

Related guides

Other states