Maine security deposit law

Read from the statute itself on 2026-11-09. Statewide rule; a city or county can add its own.

Maximum deposit: 2 months of rent
Return deadline: 30 days
Interest: Not required by the statute

Capped at 2 months' rent, returned within the time in a written agreement (not over 30 days) or 21 days for a tenancy at will. Exempt: buildings of 5 or fewer units where the landlord lives in one. Since 2024, move-in payments are limited to first month's rent, the deposit and any disclosed recurring fee.

Source: 14 M.R.S. §§ 6032, 6033, 6037 · read on 2026-11-09

Calculate it for your rent

State

Monthly rent ($)

Maximum legal deposit

$5,000

Up to 2 months of rent under 14 M.R.S. §§ 6032, 6033, 6037.

Return deadline

30 days

With a written lease, within the time it sets, never over 30 days; for a tenancy at will, 21 days after the tenancy ends or the unit is surrendered, whichever is later. Deductions need an itemized statement.

Interest required

Not required by the statute

Maine: Capped at 2 months' rent, returned within the time in a written agreement (not over 30 days) or 21 days for a tenancy at will. Exempt: buildings of 5 or fewer units where the landlord lives in one. Since 2024, move-in payments are limited to first month's rent, the deposit and any disclosed recurring fee.

Source: 14 M.R.S. §§ 6032, 6033, 6037 · read on 2026-11-09

Maine: common questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maine?

Up to 2 months of rent under 14 M.R.S. §§ 6032, 6033, 6037. Capped at 2 months' rent, returned within the time in a written agreement (not over 30 days) or 21 days for a tenancy at will. Exempt: buildings of 5 or fewer units where the landlord lives in one. Since 2024, move-in payments are limited to first month's rent, the deposit and any disclosed recurring fee.

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

30 days. With a written lease, within the time it sets, never over 30 days; for a tenancy at will, 21 days after the tenancy ends or the unit is surrendered, whichever is later. Deductions need an itemized statement.

Not legal advice. Confirm with a local landlord-tenant attorney before relying on a figure.

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<p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Free <a href="https://www.proprietio.com/tools/security-deposit-calculator">security deposit calculator by state</a> by Proprietio.</p>