State law · statute quotes
Maine security deposit laws for landlords and property managers
The words of Maine's security deposit statute on each topic, quoted verbatim with pinpoint citations and links to the official source. No summaries, no interpretation.
Reviewed by Mark Shvaya, licensed California real estate broker (DRE #02243502), who uses ProFlow360 in a rental portfolio Mark manages
Last reviewed
Quoted on this page
- Deposit limit
- Returning the deposit
- Itemized statement
- Inspections and condition reports
- Photographs
- Normal wear and tear
- Interest
- Wrongful withholding
14 M.R.S. §§ 6031-6038
On this page
What this page covers
Maine's residential security deposit provisions quoted here come from 14 M.R.S. §§ 6031-6038. Below are the statute's own words on 5 topics, each with a pinpoint citation and a link to the official text. This page does not summarize or interpret the law.
What does Maine law say about the amount of a security deposit?
A lease or tenancy at will agreement for a dwelling intended for human habitation may not require a security deposit equivalent to more than the rent for 2 months.
What does Maine law say about returning the deposit?
In the case of a written rental agreement, within the time, not to exceed 30 days, stated in the agreement; and ... In the case of a tenancy at will, within 21 days after the termination of the tenancy or the surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever occurs later.
What does Maine law say about an itemized statement of deductions?
A landlord shall return to a tenant the full security deposit deposited with the landlord by the tenant or, if there is actual cause for retaining the security deposit or any portion of it, the landlord shall provide the tenant with a written statement itemizing the reasons for the retention of the security deposit or any portion of it:
How does Maine law refer to normal wear and tear?
"Normal wear and tear" means the deterioration that occurs, based upon the use for which the rental unit is intended, without negligence, carelessness, accident or abuse of the premises or equipment or chattels by the tenant or members of the tenant's household or their invitees or guests.
What does Maine law say about wrongful withholding?
The wrongful retention of a security deposit in violation of this chapter renders a landlord liable for double the amount of that portion of the security deposit wrongfully withheld from the tenant, together with reasonable attorney's fees and court costs.
Not quoted on this page
inspections and condition reports, photographs, interest. That does not mean Maine law is silent on them; other sections or local rules may apply. Read the full statute.
Has Maine's security deposit law changed recently?
From our review of the official history notes: Latest amendments shown in the section histories: § 6031 PL 2009, c. 566; § 6032 PL 2009, c. 566, §22; § 6033 PL 1995, c. 52, §1; § 6034 PL 1995, c. 52, §2; § 6038 PL 2009, c. 566, §24. No 2024-2026 amendment shown.
How does ProFlow360 help you document a Maine tenancy?
ProFlow360 records and organizes inspection evidence; it does not tell you what the statute requires or allows. What it records, for any state:
- Move-in, routine, pre-move-out and move-out inspections with photos timestamped at capture.
- Each move-out photo beside its move-in match, filed under the tenancy.
- Itemized lines with your classification, the amount you entered, and the estimate or invoice attached.
- An issued record that is sealed, shared by a link that expires and can be revoked.
Do this in ProFlow360
Keep the photos, the call and the invoice on the same line
Every deduction line carries the move-in and move-out photos, your classification and its documents, so the record can be followed by someone who was not there.
Kitchen · counter burn, left of range
Line 2 of 5 · TEN-0418
MI-21 · Jul 12, 2024
MO-29 · Sep 30, 2026Security deposit statutes in nearby states
Sources
Sources checked October 16, 2026.
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