DisputeKit / Maine
How long does a Maine landlord have to return a security deposit?
30 days. Under Maine Revised Statutes, Title 14, § 6033, a landlord must return the full security deposit, or provide a written statement itemizing the reasons for keeping any part of it together with payment of the balance within 30 days. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. If they miss that deadline, they lose the right to keep any part of the deposit. A court may also award double the amount of the deposit wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs.
I moved out of my place in on and my landlord still has my $ deposit.
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Conditions that change the deadline
- With a written rental agreement, the deadline is the time stated in the agreement, which may not exceed 30 days; check your lease for a shorter period.
- With a tenancy at will (no written lease), the deadline is 21 days after the tenancy ends or the premises are surrendered and accepted, whichever is later.
- Mailing the statement and payment to the tenant's last known address counts as compliance, so give the landlord your current address in writing.
- Before suing, the tenant must give the landlord at least 7 days' notice of the intent to sue; if the deposit is not returned in that time, wrongful retention is presumed.
What Maine law says about deductions and your rights
- A landlord may not keep any part of the deposit for normal wear and tear.
- Allowed reasons include unpaid rent, unpaid utility charges the tenant owed the landlord, and costs of storing and disposing of unclaimed property.
- A security deposit may not exceed two months' rent.
- In a court case, the landlord has the burden of proving the withholding was not wrongful.
If the deadline has passed
Send a written demand letter. State the dates and amounts, the law and the deadline, and a date by which you expect payment. Keep proof that you sent it.
If they still don't pay, you can file in small claims court. The limit in Maine is $10,000 (since January 1, 2026), heard in District Court, and the filing fee is $70 filing fee (includes a $15 mediation fee), plus an optional $15 per party for service.
Steps
- Find your move-out date and deposit amount
- Work out when the clock started: The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit
- Count 30 days from that date to find the deadline
- Send a written demand letter citing the law
- File in small claims court if unpaid
Common questions
When does the clock start in Maine?
The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit.
What if I got part of my deposit back?
You can still ask for the rest. Your claim is the deposit minus what was returned and minus any deductions you agree were allowed.
Can I get more than my deposit back?
Possibly. Maine law allows a court to award double the amount of the deposit wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs. A judge decides; it is not guaranteed.
Do I need a lawyer?
Not usually. Small claims court in Maine is designed for people without lawyers. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney.