Maine Security Deposit Law
A 2026 guide for Maine landlords: how much you can hold, the 30-day deadline to return it, whether interest is required, and the penalties for getting it wrong — plus a free calculator set to Maine's rules.
Deposit cap
2 months' rent
Refund deadline
30 days
21 days for tenancy-at-will.
Interest required?
No
No statewide interest requirement (some exceptions for specific buildings).
Separate account?
Not required
Penalty for noncompliance
Wrongful withholding can result in twice the amount owed plus costs.
Statute: Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 6034
Maine security deposit refund calculator
Pre-set to Maine's 30-day deadline. Enter the deposit and any deductions to see the refund and the exact due date.
Itemized deductions
Result
$1,500.00
Amount owed back to the tenant
- Deposit held
- $1,500.00
- Total deductions
- −$0.00
Legal deadline in Maine
Return the deposit (or an itemized statement of deductions) within 30 days of move-out.
21 days for tenancy-at-will.
How to return a security deposit in Maine
- 1
Inspect and document the unit
As soon as the tenant moves out, photograph every room and compare it against the move-in condition. In Maine, deductions generally must reflect actual damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- 2
Itemize every deduction in writing
List each deduction with a dollar amount. Maine — like nearly every state — can bar a landlord from keeping any of the deposit if deductions aren't itemized in a written statement.
- 3
Confirm no interest is required
No statewide interest requirement (some exceptions for specific buildings). That means you generally return the deposit minus documented deductions, with no added interest.
- 4
Return the balance within 30 days
Send the remaining balance and the itemized statement to the tenant's forwarding address within 30 days of move-out. 21 days for tenancy-at-will. Missing this deadline is the single most common way landlords lose a deposit dispute.
Maine security deposit FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maine?
2 months' rent.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maine?
A landlord generally has 30 days after the tenant moves out to return the deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions. 21 days for tenancy-at-will.
Is interest required on security deposits in Maine?
No statewide interest requirement (some exceptions for specific buildings).
Does Maine require the deposit to be held in a separate account?
Maine does not impose a statewide separate-account requirement, though keeping deposits separate is still good practice.
What happens if a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit in Maine?
Wrongful withholding can result in twice the amount owed plus costs.
Related free tools
Deposit laws in other states
This page summarizes general state-level rules as of 2026 and does not cover city or county ordinances, which can be stricter. Verify against the statute cited above (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 6034) or with a local attorney before relying on it.