Security Deposit Laws in Maine
Maine caps security deposits at 2 months' rent, requires return within 30 days under a written lease (21 days for a tenancy at will), and presumes 24 hours to be reasonable notice before landlord entry.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Maine at a glance
- Security deposit limit
- 2 months' rent
- Deposit return deadline
- 30 days
- 30 days (written lease) or 21 days (tenancy at will) after termination
- Interest on deposits
- Not required by state law
- Some cities have their own interest rules
- Notice before landlord entry
- 24 hours
- Reasonable notice; 24 hours presumed reasonable
The rules in Maine
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maine?
Maine limits security deposits to 2 months' rent.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maine?
Maine rule: 30 days (written lease) or 21 days (tenancy at will) after termination.
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Maine?
No. Maine state law does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Some cities have their own rules.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Maine?
Maine rule: Reasonable notice; 24 hours presumed reasonable.
Where do the Maine rules for residential leases come from?
They come from 14 M.R.S. 6032 Security deposit limit, 14 M.R.S. 6033 Return of security deposit and 14 M.R.S. 6025 Access to premises. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Maine compares
Maine is one of 30 jurisdictions that cap deposits by law. Its 30-day return deadline is the same as the most common deadline of 30 days; 15 jurisdictions require a faster return.
What this means in practice
Landlords: state the deposit amount, where it is held and how it will be returned in the lease, and send the refund with any deductions in writing within the deadline.
Tenants: record the unit's condition with photos and a move-in checklist, keep your receipts, and give the landlord a forwarding address in writing when you move out.
Both sides: normal wear and tear is generally not deductible. Disputes over deductions usually go to small claims court.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.