How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Maine?
A Maine landlord has the time stated in a written agreement, up to 30 days, or 21 days for a tenancy at will, to return the deposit or itemize deductions, or it forfeits the right to keep anything. Here is how the days are counted.
What is the Maine deadline to return a security deposit?
A landlord must return the full deposit or, if there is actual cause to keep any part, give a written statement itemizing the reasons: in the case of a written rental agreement, within the time stated in the agreement, not to exceed 30 days; 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 (14 M.R.S. 6033(2)). The Maine security deposit return deadline calculator counts the days.
What if the lease says 45 days?
The statute caps it: a written agreement may set a shorter time, but not more than 30 days. A clause that sets a longer period is out of line with the statute, and a tenant who cannot tell should count 30 days and ask legal aid. A clause that waives any of the chapter’s protections is void (6036).
How are the days counted?
The statute counts days from the end of the tenancy, or for a tenancy at will from the later of the end and the surrender and acceptance of the premises, and it does not move a weekend or holiday. A written-lease tenancy that ended on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 has a 30-day deadline of Friday, November 27. A tenancy at will that ended on October 28, with the landlord accepting the surrender on November 3, has a 21-day deadline of Tuesday, November 24.
How does a landlord comply?
By mailing the statement and any payment required to the tenant’s last known address: the landlord is deemed to have complied with the section by mailing (6033(2)). A tenant who moves should give a forwarding address in writing, because a statement mailed to the old address still counts.
What happens if the landlord misses the deadline?
The landlord forfeits the right to withhold any portion of the deposit (6033(3)). The statute says no more on that point; a landlord with a claim for unpaid rent should ask a lawyer how to pursue it. See the notice to sue and double damages.
Does this apply to every landlord?
Not to a tenancy in a structure of 5 or fewer dwelling units one of which is occupied by the landlord (6037(2)). Everyone else, including a landlord with more units or one who lives elsewhere, must follow the chapter.
A checklist for tenants
Ask for the date the tenancy ends in writing; hand back the keys and get a dated receipt, which also fixes the surrender date for a tenancy at will; give a forwarding address in writing the same day; photograph every room at move-out; and calendar the deadline and the 7-day notice that must come before a suit.
A checklist for landlords
Record the end of the tenancy and the date you accepted the surrender; mail the deposit or the itemized statement with the balance to the last known address before the deadline and keep proof of mailing; and keep photographs, estimates and invoices for each item.
Where to get help
Legal aid organizations, the district court clerk and a licensed Maine attorney can explain the forms and the small claims process. Bring the lease, the dates and the statement.
A worked example with a short lease period
A written lease that says the deposit will be returned within 14 days of the end of the tenancy is valid, because the statute only caps the period at 30 days. A tenant whose tenancy ended on October 28, 2026 under that lease must be paid or sent the itemized statement by November 11, not November 27. Read the clause before you move out, and keep a copy.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does a Maine landlord have to return a deposit?
The time stated in a written agreement, not more than 30 days, or 21 days for a tenancy at will.
Can the lease set a longer period than 30 days?
No. The statute caps it at 30 days.
Does a weekend extend the deadline?
The statute does not move a weekend or holiday.
What if the landlord is late?
It forfeits the right to withhold any part of the deposit.
How does a landlord comply?
By mailing the statement and payment to the tenant’s last known address.
Official sources
A local landlord-tenant attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Maine statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Maine attorney.