Maine distinguishes written leases from tenancies at will for return deadlines. Deposits must be held in protected escrow. Normal wear cannot be deducted.
Last verified: 2026-10-10
Max deposit
—
no statutory cap
Return deadline
30
days after tenancy ends
Interest required
—
statute silent
Separate account
Required
Maximum Security Deposit
No statutory maximum
Cap needs review of the chapter's amount-limit section.
Return Deadline
30 days
Written lease: agreed period no longer than 30 days. Tenancy at will: 21 days after termination or surrender/acceptance, whichever later.
Interest on Deposit
Statute silent
Not established.
Separate Account Required
Required
Protected bank/financial-institution escrow; pooled deposits permitted; institution/account number disclosed on request.
⚖️ Permitted Deductions
Tenant-caused damage beyond normal wear; unpaid rent; landlord-payable utilities; storage/disposal of unclaimed property.
📋 Official Source
The information on this page is sourced from the primary Maine statute. Always verify against the current official text before making decisions.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maine?
Maine does not set a statutory maximum for security deposits. Landlords and tenants may agree to any amount in the lease. Cap needs review of the chapter's amount-limit section.
How long does a landlord have to return the security deposit in Maine?
Maine landlords must return the security deposit — or provide a written itemized statement of deductions — within 30 days after the tenancy ends. Written lease: agreed period no longer than 30 days. Tenancy at will: 21 days after termination or surrender/acceptance, whichever later.
Does Maine require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
Maine's security deposit statute does not expressly address whether landlords must pay interest on deposits. Not established.
Must Maine landlords keep security deposits in a separate bank account?
Yes. Maine requires landlords to hold security deposits in a separate account. Protected bank/financial-institution escrow; pooled deposits permitted; institution/account number disclosed on request.
Automate security deposit compliance
Property management software handles deposit tracking, deadline reminders, itemized deduction statements, and compliant separate account requirements automatically — so you never miss a Maine deadline.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Security deposit laws change — always verify the current statute or consult a licensed attorney in Maine before making decisions. Official source: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14ch710-A.pdf. Last reviewed: 2026-10-10.