Maine Security Deposit Return Deadline
- Penalty for missing it
- 2x (wrongful and/or intentional withholding (plus failure to provide the itemized statement) — liable for DOUBLE the wrongfully-withheld portion plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs (§6034))
- The law
- 14 M.R.S.A. §§6032–6034
The rule
Two-tier: written rental agreement → time stated in the agreement, max 30 days; tenancy at will → 21 days after termination OR surrender/acceptance of the premises, whichever is later (§6033). Before suing, the tenant should send a 7-day certified-mail notice of intent to bring legal action.
- Missing the deadline or the written statement = forfeits ALL right to withhold any portion (§6033)
- Exempt: owner-occupied buildings with 5 or fewer units (§6037(2))
- Separate violation track for deposit-handling violations: $500 or one month's rent, whichever is greater
- Deposit cap 2 months' rent; no interest required; landlord may offer a surety bond in lieu of deposit (§6039)
What happens if your landlord misses the deadline
In Maine, a missed deadline seriously weakens your landlord's position. Depending on the circumstances, they may forfeit the right to deduct anything at all, owe you the penalty above, or both. The exact consequence depends on 14 M.R.S.A. §§6032–6034 and whether they provided the required itemized statement. Don't assume the money is gone — a missed deadline is often the strongest fact pattern for getting it back.
Your next steps in Maine
- Confirm the clock ran. Make sure you provided a forwarding address in writing, and that the full deadline has passed.
- Send a demand letter citing 14 M.R.S.A. §§6032–6034 and the 2x penalty. Most landlords pay at this stage.
- If they ignore it, file in small claims. See our walkthrough for the process.
Maine deposit questions
How long does my Maine landlord have to return my deposit?
Two-tier: written rental agreement → time stated in the agreement, max 30 days; tenancy at will → 21 days after termination OR surrender/acceptance of the premises, whichever is later (§6033). Before suing, the tenant should send a 7-day certified-mail notice of intent to bring legal action.
What if my landlord never sends an itemized list of deductions?
In most states — including Maine — failing to provide the required itemized statement within the deadline forfeits the landlord's right to withhold anything. Check 14 M.R.S.A. §§6032–6034 for the exact rule.
Can I get more than my deposit back in Maine?
Maine law allows 2x for wrongful and/or intentional withholding (plus failure to provide the itemized statement) — liable for DOUBLE the wrongfully-withheld portion plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs (§6034). See our penalties guide for how judges apply this.
Source: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=27933&an=1 · Verified 2026-10-09