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Maine Small Claims for a Security Deposit: Where to File, What It Costs, Does It Fit

In Maine, a security deposit claim is heard by District Court (small claims); the court for your county is listed below. The comparable deposit claim limit is $10,000. No comparable fee amount in our county data; see the official fee schedule. Pick your county, calculate your deadline, then send a dated letter.

State law last checked .

Filing facts

CourtDistrict Court (small claims) · Court source
Listed limits and jurisdictions$10,000 (District Court small claims (as of January 1, 2026) only)
Comparable deposit claim limit$10,000
Time limit to sue, from state data6 years; check when the claim accrued before counting from it.
Listed county filing feesNo comparable fee amount in our county data; see the official fee schedule.
E-filing0 yes, 0 no, 21 unverified among 21 listed counties
State deposit return deadline
  • 30 calendar days after end of tenancy under written rental agreement (or shorter time stated in the agreement). Applies when: written rental agreement; statutory outer limit is 30 days; lease may set a shorter period.
  • 21 calendar days after termination of the tenancy or surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever occurs later. Applies when: tenancy at will (no written rental agreement).
Deposit statuteMe. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, §§ 6031-6039 (esp. §§ 6032-6034)

Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.

Which county is the rental in?

Does your claim fit the limit?

Enter the amount you would ask the court to award.

The comparable claim limit ranks 22 among 45 jurisdictions with a comparable amount; median $10,000. Ties share a rank. Computed from state data, not measured.

From a letter to court

  1. Calculate the return date and send a letter using your own move-out date, deposit and state conditions.
  2. Keep the letter, delivery proof, lease, payment records and photos.
  3. Use your county guide and court's official instructions to check the filing location and fee.

Calculate your deadline and next letter

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Details of the return rules
Maine statutory deadlines
When it appliesDeadlineStarts from
I had a written lease or rental agreement30 daysafter end of tenancy under written rental agreement (or shorter time stated in the agreement)
I had no written agreement (a tenancy at will)21 daysafter termination of the tenancy or surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever occurs later

Maine return rule: 30 calendar days (written rental agreement; statutory outer limit is 30 days; lease may set a shorter period). Check the dates you entered above.

Free Maine template, built from verified state data

Methodology: every statute verified against primary sources. See how verification works.

I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under Maine law (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, §§ 6031-6039), a landlord must return the deposit or respond in writing within [30 calendar days / 21 calendar days, see the note above] after [the event listed in the note above].

Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.

Who do you name in the claim?

Compare the name on the lease and deposit receipt with the property record and the Maine Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant. Confirm the defendant with the court or legal aid.

What to bring to the clerk

  • Lease and deposit receipt or payment record.
  • Demand letter and proof of delivery.
  • Move-out photos, inventory and any itemized deductions.
  • Your calculation and the cited deposit statute.

What you can recover

failure to provide written statement or return deposit within the statutory time: landlord forfeits right to withhold any portion; if landlord still fails to return entire deposit within 7 days after tenant's pre-suit notice of intent to sue, wrongful retention is presumed and landlord is liable for double the portion wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs; landlord bears burden to prove withholding was not wrongful Bad faith required: No.

This is class P1, found in 36 of 51 jurisdictions. Computed from cited state records, not measured outcomes.

Statute says

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. The wrongful retention of a security deposit in violation of this chapter renders a landlord liable for double the amount of that portion of the security deposit wrongfully withheld from the tenant, together with reasonable attorney's fees and court costs.

Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, §§ 6031-6039 (esp. §§ 6032-6034)

What this means

Tenant resources

FAQ

Which court handles a security deposit claim in Maine?

District Court (small claims). Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.

What is the deposit claim limit in Maine?

The comparable general deposit claim limit is $10,000. Check the court and claim type that applies.

What is the return deadline in Maine?

30 calendar days (written rental agreement; statutory outer limit is 30 days; lease may set a shorter period) or 21 calendar days (tenancy at will (no written rental agreement))

What's next?