Landlords must return it within 30 days, or 21 days without a written lease.
Why, and the exact law
From 14 M.R.S. § 6032, read Oct 6, 2026.Show the law
“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 …”
This page covers state law only. Cities with their own rules have their own pages.
Maine lawIn force
Maine security deposits on residential rental units (cap and return)
How big can the deposit be?
Max 2 months' rent.
Landlords must return it within 30 days, or 21 days without a written lease.
In force since
1977
The law, word for word
“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 …”