Security Deposit · ME
Maine security deposit law
Key rules for landlords and tenants in Maine, cited to Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14 § 6032.
Maine notice-to-vacate law →
How much notice landlords and tenants must give in Maine
Compare all 50 states →
Security deposit rules side-by-side across every state
At a glance
- Max deposit
- 2 months' rent
- Return deadline
- 21 days (month-to-month) or 30 days (longer lease)
- Interest required
- Yes (Interest required if deposit held more than 1 year)
- Statute
- Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14 § 6032
- Last reviewed
- June 2026
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maine?
In Maine, the deadline is 21 days (month-to-month) or 30 days (longer lease). That clock runs from move-out and the return of possession, not from the end of the lease.
Maine law sets the maximum deposit at 2 months' rent.
Missing the deadline has teeth. Across states, remedies range from losing the right to any deduction to penalty damages plus the tenant's attorney's fees. The itemized deduction statement has to arrive inside the same window to preserve any deduction at all.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum security deposit in Maine?
2 months' rent. (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14 § 6032, last reviewed June 2026.)
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maine?
21 days (month-to-month) or 30 days (longer lease). The landlord must provide an itemized statement of any deductions. Failure to return on time may entitle the tenant to penalties under Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14 § 6032.
Is interest required on security deposits in Maine?
Yes. Interest required if deposit held more than 1 year
Stay compliant automatically
Tenanture checks your replies and screening against the rules where you operate, so deadlines and required disclosures don't slip through the cracks.