Maine Deposit Return Deadline
21–30 daysUnder Maine law, a landlord generally has 21–30 days after move-out to act on your security deposit — 30 days with a written lease; 21 days for tenancies at will (no written lease). The FAQ below covers the details.
Educational information: generated from our Maine law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Maine compares
51 of 51 US jurisdictions set a statutory deadline for returning security deposits. Here is how Maine compares with other states in our database.
| State | Deposit Return Deadline |
|---|---|
| Maine | 21–30 days |
| Maryland | 45 days |
| Massachusetts | 30 days |
| Michigan | 30 days |
| Minnesota | 21 days |
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maine?
- Generally 21–30 days after move-out. 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.
- Can a Maine landlord keep my deposit for damages?
- Landlords may generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, but must account for deductions. Deductions for ordinary wear and tear are not allowed.
- What if my Maine landlord misses the deposit return deadline?
- Missing the statutory deadline (21–30 days) can expose the landlord to statutory penalties. 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.
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.