--- title: "Maine Landlord Rules: Deposits, Notices, Evictions | MCC" description: "Maine landlord-tenant rules: deposit capped at 2 months of rent, deposit returned within 30 days, 30-day notice to end month-to-month. Official sources linked." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/tools/maine-landlord-rules" --- Free tool · Maine · Landlords and tenants # Maine landlord rules: deposits, notices and the eviction steps The deposit rules, notice periods, eviction case and small claims limit for Maine, each from the state's own pages or courts. **Quick answer.** Security deposit return deadline in Maine: With a written rental agreement: the period it states, no more than 30 days. Tenancy at will: within 21 days after the tenancy ends or the premises are surrendered and accepted, whichever is later (6033(2)). Deposit limit: No more than the rent for two months (6032). **Sources checked:** November 2026 **Quick answer.** Maine: deposit capped at 2 months of rent; deposit returned within 30 days; 30-day notice to end month-to-month; 7-day notice for unpaid rent; 24-hour entry notice; $100 eviction filing fee; $10,000 small claims limit. 19 of 23 items are confirmed on official pages; 4 are marked not confirmed, with the page to check. ## Key numbers Deposit limit 2 months' rent Deposit back within 30 days Month-to-month notice (landlord) 30 days Unpaid rent notice 7 days Entry notice 24 hours Filing fee $100 Judgment to writ 7 days Writ to lockout 48 hours Small claims limit $10,000 ## Security deposit (5 of 6 confirmed) Law read: 14 M.R.S. 6032 and 6033. Need the other side served? [Process serving with an affidavit of service](/notary/process-serving). - ### ConfirmedDeposit limit No more than the rent for two months (6032). Sources: [Maine Legislature: Title 14, 6033, Return of the security deposit](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6033.html); [Maine Legislature: Title 14, 6032, Limitation on security deposits](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6032.html); [Maine Legislature: 14 M.R.S. 6038 (security deposit to be held separately)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6038.html), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedReturn deadline With a written rental agreement: the period it states, no more than 30 days. Tenancy at will: within 21 days after the tenancy ends or the premises are surrendered and accepted, whichever is later (6033(2)).Tenancy at will: 21 days Sources: [Maine Legislature: Title 14, 6033, Return of the security deposit](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6033.html); [Maine Legislature: Title 14, 6032, Limitation on security deposits](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6032.html); [Maine Legislature: 14 M.R.S. 6038 (security deposit to be held separately)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6038.html), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedItemized list of deductions A written itemized statement of the reasons for keeping any part, with payment of the difference; mailing to the last known address counts (6033(2)). Sources: [Maine Legislature: Title 14, 6033, Return of the security deposit](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6033.html); [Maine Legislature: Title 14, 6032, Limitation on security deposits](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6032.html); [Maine Legislature: 14 M.R.S. 6038 (security deposit to be held separately)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6038.html), checked November 2026 - ### Not confirmedInterest on the deposit Not confirmed — check [Maine Legislature: Title 14, 6033, Return of the security deposit](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6033.html). Not confirmed from official text. 14 M.R.S. 6038 (where the deposit is held) says nothing about interest; check 14 M.R.S. 6031-6038. - ### ConfirmedWhere the deposit is held In an account at a bank or other financial institution, on terms that put it beyond the landlord's creditors; not commingled with the landlord's assets (one escrow account for all tenants is allowed). On request, the landlord gives the institution's name and the account number (6038). Sources: [Maine Legislature: Title 14, 6033, Return of the security deposit](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6033.html); [Maine Legislature: Title 14, 6032, Limitation on security deposits](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6032.html); [Maine Legislature: 14 M.R.S. 6038 (security deposit to be held separately)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6038.html), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedPenalty the law states Missing the statement or deadline forfeits the right to withhold any part (6033(3)). Other remedies are in 6034. Sources: [Maine Legislature: Title 14, 6033, Return of the security deposit](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6033.html); [Maine Legislature: Title 14, 6032, Limitation on security deposits](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6032.html); [Maine Legislature: 14 M.R.S. 6038 (security deposit to be held separately)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6038.html), checked November 2026 More: [Security deposit rules by state](/tools/security-deposit-rules-by-state#st-ME) · [Deposit return deadline calculator](/tools/security-deposit-return-deadline-calculator?state=ME) ## Notice periods (6 of 6 confirmed) What the official text says about each notice. Cities and counties can add their own notice, just-cause or rent rules. Check local rules too. | Notice | Rule | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Ending month-to-month (landlord) | Tenancy at will: a minimum of 30 days' notice. | Source: [Maine Legislature: 14 M.R.S. 6002 (Tenancy at will)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6002.html), checked November 2026 (14 M.R.S. 6002) | | Ending month-to-month (tenant) | Tenancy at will: a minimum of 30 days' notice. | Source: [Maine Legislature: 14 M.R.S. 6002 (Tenancy at will)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6002.html), checked November 2026 (14 M.R.S. 6002) | | Rent increase notice | At least 45 days' written notice; 75 days for an increase of 10% or more (or increases totaling 10% within 12 months). | Source: [Maine Legislature: 14 M.R.S. 6015 (Notice of rent increase)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6015-2.html), checked November 2026 (14 M.R.S. 6015) | | Unpaid rent notice | 7 days' written notice when the tenant is 7 days or more behind in rent. | Source: [Maine Legislature: 14 M.R.S. 6002 (Tenancy at will)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6002.html), checked November 2026 (14 M.R.S. 6002(1)(C)) | | Entry notice | Reasonable notice at reasonable times; 24 hours is presumed reasonable. Emergencies excepted. | Source: [Maine Legislature: 14 M.R.S. Chapter 710 (Rental property)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14ch710.pdf), checked November 2026 (14 M.R.S. 6025(2)) | | Late fee limits | Rent is late if not paid within 15 days of the due date; the penalty can't exceed 4% of one month's rent. | Source: [Maine Legislature: 14 M.R.S. Chapter 710 (Rental property)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14ch710.pdf), checked November 2026 (14 M.R.S. 6028) | More: [Notice periods by state](/tools/landlord-tenant-notice-periods-by-state#st-ME) · [Notice date calculator](/tools/notice-date-calculator?state=ME) ## Eviction case, in order (7 of 10 confirmed) - **Notice before filing** The written notice comes first; its length is in the notice table above.Unpaid rent: 7 days' written notice when the tenant is 7 days or more behind in rent. - **Filing the case** Where the case goes and what it costs to start. #### Not confirmedCourt Not confirmed — check [State of Maine Judicial Branch: Evicting a Tenant from a Residence for not Paying Rent](https://www.courts.maine.gov/help/guides/fed-brochure.pdf). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - #### ConfirmedFiling fee $100 to file, due at least one business day before the hearing.The filing fee of $100. Source: [State of Maine Judicial Branch: Evicting a Tenant from a Residence for not Paying Rent](https://www.courts.maine.gov/help/guides/fed-brochure.pdf), checked November 2026 - **The tenant's answer or appearance** #### Not confirmedTime to answer or appear Not confirmed — check [State of Maine Judicial Branch: Evicting a Tenant from a Residence for not Paying Rent](https://www.courts.maine.gov/help/guides/fed-brochure.pdf). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - **Hearing or trial** #### ConfirmedHearing after filing The hearing must be at least 7 days after the tenant gets the complaint (the earliest date here assumes service on the filing day).must be at least 7 days after the date the tenant gets the complaint. Source: [State of Maine Judicial Branch: Evicting a Tenant from a Residence for not Paying Rent](https://www.courts.maine.gov/help/guides/fed-brochure.pdf), checked November 2026 - **Judgment and the writ** The order that lets the officer act. #### ConfirmedJudgment to writ The writ of possession can issue 7 days after judgment.the law allows the writ to issue 7 days after judgment enters. Source: [State of Maine Judicial Branch: Evicting a Tenant from a Residence for not Paying Rent](https://www.courts.maine.gov/help/guides/fed-brochure.pdf), checked November 2026 - **Lockout** Carried out by an officer, not by either side. #### ConfirmedWrit to lockout Once a sheriff serves the writ, the tenant has 48 hours to move out.After the writ is served, the tenant will have 48 hours to move out. Source: [State of Maine Judicial Branch: Evicting a Tenant from a Residence for not Paying Rent](https://www.courts.maine.gov/help/guides/fed-brochure.pdf), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedWho carries out the lockout A sheriff or a constable serves the writ; the tenant then has 48 hours.The writ may be served by a sheriff or a constable. Source: [Maine Revised Statutes, Title 14, section 6005: Writ of possession; service](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6005.html), checked November 2026 - **Along the way** Paying to stop the case, counsel and diversion programs. #### ConfirmedPaying to stop the case In a nonpayment case, no writ issues if the tenant has paid the amount needed to reinstate the tenancy.paid the amount necessary to reinstate the tenancy Source: [Maine Revised Statutes, Title 14, section 6005: Writ of possession; service](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6005.html), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedRight to counsel (statewide) No statewide right to counsel for tenants in eviction cases (as of November 2026, per the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel): its tracker of enacted laws lists no statewide law here.An eviction right to counsel is created by an enacted law that, at a minimum: Source: [National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel (secondary source): National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel: Enacted Eviction Right to Counsel and Eviction Defense Programs (last modified November 2026)](https://civilrighttocounsel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RTC_Enacted_Legislation_in_Eviction_Proceedings_FINAL.pdf), checked November 2026 - #### Not confirmedDiversion or mediation (statewide) Not confirmed — check [State of Maine Judicial Branch: Evicting a Tenant from a Residence for not Paying Rent](https://www.courts.maine.gov/help/guides/fed-brochure.pdf). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. ### Example: a case filed Monday, March 1, 2027 The earliest date of each stage the confirmed rules allow, from our eviction timeline estimator. Earliest under the statute; courts' calendars often take longer. | Stage | Earliest date | | --- | --- | | Case filed | Monday, March 1, 2027 | | Hearing or trial | Monday, March 8, 2027 | | Judgment | Monday, March 8, 2027 | | Writ or warrant of possession | Monday, March 15, 2027 | | Earliest lockout | Wednesday, March 17, 2027 | Help the official pages name: Free mediation at the court on the hearing day. More: [Maine eviction process](/tools/eviction-process-maine) · [Eviction timeline estimator](/tools/eviction-timeline-estimator?state=me) ## Deposit disputes: small claims - ### ConfirmedSmall claims limit (for a deposit dispute) $10,000: the most a small claims case can ask for.A money judgment of $10,000 or less (as of January 1, 2026). You can't sue a city or town in small claims.Filing fee to start a case: $70. Source: [Maine Judicial Branch: Small Claims](https://courts.maine.gov/help/small-claims), checked November 2026 More: [Maine small claims court](/tools/small-claims-maine) ## Still to confirm - Interest on the deposit: check [Maine Legislature: Title 14, 6033, Return of the security deposit](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6033.html) - Court: check [State of Maine Judicial Branch: Evicting a Tenant from a Residence for not Paying Rent](https://www.courts.maine.gov/help/guides/fed-brochure.pdf) - Time to answer or appear: check [State of Maine Judicial Branch: Evicting a Tenant from a Residence for not Paying Rent](https://www.courts.maine.gov/help/guides/fed-brochure.pdf) - Diversion or mediation (statewide): check [State of Maine Judicial Branch: Evicting a Tenant from a Residence for not Paying Rent](https://www.courts.maine.gov/help/guides/fed-brochure.pdf) General information, not legal advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. The same rules apply whichever side of the lease you are on; this page describes them and doesn't take a side. Rules change, cities and counties can add their own, a lease can add terms, and the official source has the final word. ## Common questions **How much can a security deposit be in Maine?** No more than the rent for two months (6032). **How long does a Maine landlord have to return a deposit?** With a written rental agreement: the period it states, no more than 30 days. Tenancy at will: within 21 days after the tenancy ends or the premises are surrendered and accepted, whichever is later (6033(2)). What goes with it: A written itemized statement of the reasons for keeping any part, with payment of the difference; mailing to the last known address counts (6033(2)). **How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in Maine?** From the landlord: Tenancy at will: a minimum of 30 days' notice. From the tenant: Tenancy at will: a minimum of 30 days' notice. **What notice comes before an unpaid-rent case in Maine?** 7 days' written notice when the tenant is 7 days or more behind in rent. **How much notice before a landlord enters a rental in Maine?** Reasonable notice at reasonable times; 24 hours is presumed reasonable. Emergencies excepted. **How long does an eviction case take in Maine?** Hearing after filing: At least 7 days. Judgment to writ: 7 days. Writ to lockout: 48 hours. These are the stated rules; the court's calendar often takes longer. **What does it cost to file an eviction case in Maine?** $100 to file, due at least one business day before the hearing. Related: [Landlord rules by state](/tools/landlord-rules-by-state) · [Kits for landlords](/toolkits/for/landlords) ## Keep rental records in order [Bookkeeping for small landlords](/bookkeeping/for/small-landlords)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)