Maine Security Deposit Limit
2 months' rent (most tenancies)Maine generally caps residential security deposits at 2 months' rent (most tenancies) — the cap is not uniform. A lease demanding more than the cap that covers your situation may be unenforceable — the FAQ below covers the exact conditions.
Educational information: generated from our Maine law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Maine compares
30 of 51 US jurisdictions cap security deposits by statute; the other 21 set no statewide cap (local caps can still apply in some cities). Here is how Maine compares with other states in our database.
| State | Security Deposit Limit |
|---|---|
| Maine | 2 months' rent (most tenancies) |
| Maryland | 1 month's rent |
| Massachusetts | 1 month's rent |
| Michigan | 1.5 months' rent |
| Minnesota | no statewide limit (local caps in some cities) |
Frequently asked questions
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maine?
- Maine generally limits security deposits to 2 months' rent (most tenancies). Maximum 2 months rent (1 month for elderly/disabled tenants). 3 months max for mobile home parks. Must be held in separate bank account. Return within 30 days (21 days if no written lease). Penalty: double deposit plus attorney fees.
- Does Maine require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
- No. Maine does not have a statewide requirement that landlords pay interest on security deposits.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maine?
- Maine landlords generally must return the deposit within 21–30 days after move-out.
Check Your Lease Against Maine Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Maine law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More Maine lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Maine for your specific situation.