Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in Maine

Maine: return the deposit within 30 calendar days of the end of the tenancy. 14 M.R.S. 6033(2)(B): within 21 days after the termination of the tenancy or the surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever occurs later. a period the lease sets after the end of the tenancy if lease states shorter period (If the written agreement states a shorter period, that period governs). Interest: no. Penalty if the rule is not followed (no bad faith needed): 2x the amount withheld. (14 M.R.S. 6031-6038)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 30 calendar days after the end of the tenancy.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, unpaid utilities, moving and storage, damage beyond wear, cleaning to move in condition. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: No.
Penalty: 2x the amount withheld if the rule is not followed (no bad faith needed).
Deposit cap: 2 month(s) of rent.
Who it covers: Exempt: a tenancy in a structure of 5 or fewer units, one of them occupied by the landlord (6037(2)).

The rule text

A landlord shall return to a tenant the full security deposit ... 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 ... A. In the case of a written rental agreement, within the time, not to exceed 30 days, stated in the agreement; and

14 M.R.S. 6033(2). Source: 14 M.R.S. 6033 Return of the security deposit, read 2026-10-09.

Research notes (1)

How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.

Official page data was extracted 2025-10-20. The section histories show no 2023-2025 amendments; any 2026 session change would not appear there.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: October 30, 2026
30 calendar days after the end of the tenancy.
Allowed deductions: $1,650.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $350.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: 14 M.R.S. 6031-6038 (Maine)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Cleaning                               -$150.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,650.00
Refund due to tenant                               $350.00
Return by                                   October 30, 2026

Notes:
- Itemized under 14 M.R.S. 6031-6038.

Settle a deposit in Maine

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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