Security deposit law in Maine

The rule in Maine

Maine limits a residential security deposit to 2 months' rent. The wording in 14 M.R.S. §§ 6032, 6033: “equivalent to more than the rent for 2 months.”

The return deadline is 30 days, counted after termination; written agreement period up to 30 days, tenancy at will 21 days. The text reads: “within the time, not to exceed 30 days, stated in the agreement.”

Of the 44 jurisdictions verified here, 15 give landlords less time and 9 give more; the median is 30 days. 19 others also allow 30 days, among them Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts and Michigan.

What the cap means in dollars: $1,000 rent: up to $2,000, $1,500 rent: up to $3,000 and $2,000 rent: up to $4,000.

Worked date: if the clock starts on November 30, 2026, the deadline falls on December 30, 2026. The alternative 21-day period would end on December 21, 2026.

In neighbouring states with verified rules: New Hampshire allows 30 days and caps deposits at one month's rent.

For a tenancy at will the deadline is 21 days after the tenancy ends or the premises are surrendered and accepted, whichever is later.

If a deposit is not returned, the small claims limit in Maine is $10,000 (small claims rules); at the cap, a full-deposit claim fits whenever rent is $5,000 a month or less.

Sources: Maine Legislature, 14 M.R.S. § 6032; Maine Legislature, 14 M.R.S. § 6033 · last checked October 20, 2026.

If the deposit does not come back

The statute above sets the deadline; what happens after it passes is covered in general terms in the guide on a deposit that is not returned, and the way each state starts and counts the clock is compared in how deposit deadlines are counted.