General info, not legal advice. Details

Maine Deposit return deadline

Last reviewed 2026-10-15

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maine?

Written lease: within the time stated in the lease, but no more than 30 days. Tenancy at will: within 21 days after the tenancy ends or the premises are surrendered, whichever is later.

Verified Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6033 · last checked 2026-10-15

How this works in Maine

Maine's deadline depends on the kind of tenancy. With a written lease, you follow the time the lease sets, but never more than 30 days. With a tenancy at will, you have 21 days after the tenancy ends or the premises are surrendered, whichever is later.

Worked example for Maine

Say a tenant at will gives notice, the tenancy ends on September 30, 2026, but the keys aren't handed back until October 5, 2026. The later date controls, so the deposit is due by October 26, 2026. If instead this were a written lease that said 30 days, you'd return it within the time the lease states, which can't exceed 30 days.

Maine timelines and limits

Written leaseTime stated in the lease, no more than 30 days
Tenancy at will21 days after the tenancy ends or the premises are surrendered, whichever is later

Maine FAQ

How long does a Maine landlord have to return a deposit?

Under 14 M.R.S. § 6033, within the lease's stated time (no more than 30 days) for a written lease, or 21 days for a tenancy at will.

Which date starts the 21 days for a tenancy at will?

The end of the tenancy or the surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever occurs later.

Can my lease give me 45 days?

No. A written lease can set the time, but not more than 30 days.

Sources for this section: 14 M.R.S. § 6033 (checked 2026-10-15)

This is general information, not legal advice. The verified rule and official sources above control. Check the source or a local attorney for your situation.

Related Maine rules

Security deposit limit

May not exceed 2 months' rent. Separately, at move-in a landlord, agent or broker may not require more than the first full month's rent, the security deposit and properly disclosed mandatory recurring fees (§ 6022-A).

Verified Source: 14 M.R.S. §§ 6032, 6022-A · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Maine security deposit limit page

Interest on deposits

Maine's security deposit chapter (14 M.R.S. ch. 710-A, §§ 6031-6039) requires deposits to be held in a bank account beyond the reach of the landlord's creditors, with the bank and account number disclosed on request. It does not require the landlord to pay interest (full-text search of the chapter).

Verified Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6038 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Maine interest on deposits page

Move-in/move-out checklist

Maine's rental-property chapter (14 M.R.S. §§ 6021-6030-K) requires no move-in inspection or checklist (full-text search of the chapter). It does require bedbug inspections on notice and bedbug disclosures (§ 6021-A).

Verified Source: 14 M.R.S. ch. 710 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Maine move-in/move-out checklist page

Abandoned property

Abandoned property must be stored in a safe, dry, secure place. The landlord sends written notice with an itemized list. If the tenant does not respond within 7 days, the property may be disposed of under the statute. Claimed property must be released without conditioning release on payment.

Verified Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6013 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Maine abandoned property page

Same topic in neighboring states

All Maine landlord-tenant law · Maine landlord FAQ · Security deposit limit · Notice to enter · Required lease disclosures · Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone) · Move-in checklist

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