Maximum deposit: 2 months rent. Return deadline: 21 days (written lease) / 21 days (without lease). Everything landlords and tenants need to know about Maine security deposit law.
Last updated: April 2026 · Data: IRS, BLS, state sources
| Rule | Maine Law |
|---|---|
| Maximum Deposit | 2 months rent |
| Return Deadline | 21 days (written lease) / 21 days (without lease) |
| Interest Required | Not required |
| Penalty for Violations | 2x wrongfully withheld amount |
| Normal Wear and Tear | Cannot be deducted |
Maine limits security deposits to 2 months rent. Charging more than this amount is a violation of state law and may entitle the tenant to damages.
Itemized statement required
Regardless of the deposit amount, landlords must follow the correct procedures for holding, itemizing, and returning the deposit. Failure to follow these procedures can result in the landlord forfeiting the right to make deductions and owing penalties to the tenant.
After a tenant moves out, Maine landlords have 21 days (written lease) / 21 days (without lease) to either return the full security deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions along with any remaining balance. The clock typically starts on the date of move-out or the date the tenant provides a forwarding address, whichever is later.
If the landlord misses this deadline, the consequences can be severe: 2x wrongfully withheld amount. Tenants should document their move-out with photos, return keys promptly, and provide a written forwarding address to establish the start of the deadline clearly.
Landlords in Maine may deduct from the security deposit for:
Landlords cannot deduct for:
Document the unit's condition at move-in with a written checklist and photos signed by both parties. This documentation is critical in any deposit dispute.
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 21 days (written lease) / 21 days (without lease), you may be entitled to: 2x wrongfully withheld amount.
Steps to take if your landlord violates Maine security deposit law:
Calculate your security deposit maximum, estimate any interest owed, and determine the exact return deadline based on your Maine move-out date.
Open Maine Security Deposit CalculatorMaine limits security deposits to 2 months rent. Itemized statement required
Maine landlords have 21 days (written lease) / 21 days (without lease) after move-out to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. If the landlord misses this deadline: 2x wrongfully withheld amount.
Normal wear and tear in Maine refers to the expected deterioration from ordinary residential use: minor scuffs on walls, small nail holes from hanging pictures, faded paint, and worn carpet from foot traffic. Landlords cannot deduct for these. They can deduct for actual damage such as large holes in walls, broken fixtures, deep carpet stains, or damage caused by pets, negligence, or misuse.