# 14 M.R.S. § 6033: 14 §6033. Return of the security deposit

> Maine · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710-A_S6033

## Section

- **Citation:** 14 M.R.S. § 6033
- **Heading:** 14 §6033. Return of the security deposit
- **Jurisdiction:** Maine
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** ME Code / Title 14 / Part 7 / Chapter 710-A / Section 6033

## Text

1. Normal wear and tear. A security deposit or any portion of a security deposit shall not be retained for the purpose of paying for normal wear and tear. [PL 1977, c. 359 (NEW).]

2. Return; time; retention. A landlord shall return to a tenant the full security deposit deposited with the landlord by the tenant 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 of the security deposit or any portion of it: A. In the case of a written rental agreement, within the time, not to exceed 30 days, stated in the agreement; and [PL 1977, c. 359 (NEW).] B. 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. [PL 1977, c. 359 (NEW).] The written statement itemizing the reasons for the retention of any portion of the security deposit must be accompanied by a full payment of the difference between the security deposit and the amount retained. Reasons for which a landlord may retain the security deposit or a portion of the security deposit include, but are not limited to, covering the costs of storing and disposing of unclaimed property, nonpayment of rent and nonpayment of utility charges that the tenant was required to pay directly to the landlord. The landlord is deemed to have complied with this section by mailing the statement and any payment required to the last known address of the tenant. [PL 1995, c. 52, §1 (AMD).]

3. Penalty. If a landlord fails to provide a written statement or to return the security deposit within the time specified in subsection 2 , the landlord shall forfeit his right to withhold any portion of the security deposit. [PL 1977, c. 359 (NEW).]

## Nearby sections

- [14 M.R.S. § 6031 14 §6031. Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710-A_S6031.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6032 14 §6032. Maximum security deposit](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710-A_S6032.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6033 14 §6033. Return of the security deposit](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710-A_S6033.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6034 14 §6034. Wrongful retention; damages](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710-A_S6034.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6035 14 §6035. Transfer of security deposit](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710-A_S6035.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6036 14 §6036. Waiver of provisions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710-A_S6036.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6037 14 §6037. Exemptions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710-A_S6037.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6038 14 §6038. Treatment of security deposit](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710-A_S6038.md)
- [14 M.R.S. § 6039 14 §6039. Surety bonds](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710-A_S6039.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ME_T14_P7_C710-A_S6033. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.