Maine Security Deposit Return Letter

Under MRSA Title 14 §6033, upon termination of a tenancy and surrender of the premises, the landlord must return the tenant's security deposit (less any lawful deductions) or provide a written itemized statement of deductions together with any remaining balance. For a written rental agreement the return must occur within the time (not to exceed 30 days) stated in the agreement. For a tenancy at will the deadline is 21 days after termination or surrender and acceptance, whichever occurs later. Permissible deductions are limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and (if provided in the lease) reasonable cleaning costs to restore the unit to move-in condition. Normal wear and tear may not be deducted. Failure to comply with the timing and itemization requirements causes the landlord to forfeit the right to retain any portion of the deposit.

This template provides ready-to-use letters for full return, itemized partial return, pre-departure inspection offer, and related notices.

Part I, Pre-Departure / Pre-Move-Out Inspection Offer (Recommended)

Although not strictly mandated for every tenancy, offering a pre-departure inspection is best practice under Maine law and reduces disputes. It allows the tenant to address issues before vacating and creates a contemporaneous record of condition.

PRE-MOVE-OUT INSPECTION OFFER

Date of Letter: [[Date of Letter]]

TO: [[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]]
[[Tenant Current Address or Last Known Mailing Address]]
[[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]]

FROM: [[Landlord or Property Manager Full Legal Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]] | Email: [[Landlord Email]]

RE: Pre-Move-Out Inspection Offer, [[Property Full Address, City, Maine ZIP]]

Dear [[Tenant First Name(s)]]:

Your tenancy at the above property is scheduled to end on [[Lease End / Move-Out / Vacate Date]]. I am offering you the opportunity to walk through the Premises with me (or my representative) prior to your final move-out.

The purpose is to identify any items you may wish to clean or repair before surrendering possession so that deductions from your security deposit of $[[Original Security Deposit Amount]] can be minimized.

If you would like to schedule a pre-departure inspection, please contact me no later than [[Inspection Request Deadline e.g. 3 business days before scheduled move-out]].

Whether or not you participate, a written accounting of your security deposit (with any refund or itemized deductions) will be provided within the applicable deadline under MRSA Title 14 §6033 after you surrender the Premises and provide a forwarding address.

Sincerely,

___________________________________
[[Landlord or Property Manager Full Legal Name]]
[[Title]]
Date: [[Date]]

Part II, Security Deposit Return Letter (Full Return, No Deductions)

SECURITY DEPOSIT RETURN, FULL REFUND

Date of Letter: [[Date of Letter]]

TO: [[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]]
[[Tenant Forwarding Address]]
[[City]], [[State]] [[ZIP Code]]

FROM: [[Landlord or Property Manager Full Legal Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]]

RE: Return of Security Deposit, [[Rental Property Address]], [[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]]

Dear [[Tenant First Name(s)]]:

Your tenancy at [[Rental Property Address]] ended on [[Vacate / Surrender Date]]. We have inspected the Premises and determined that no deductions are warranted.

Your security deposit of $[[Original Security Deposit Amount]] is being returned in full.

Refund Amount: $[[Refund Amount]]
Method of Payment: [[Check / Direct Deposit / Other]]
Check / Reference Number: [[Check or Transaction Number]]
Date Issued: [[Date Issued]]

Please cash or deposit the enclosed instrument promptly. If you have any questions, contact us at the information above.

We appreciate your tenancy and wish you the best in your new home.

Sincerely,

___________________________________
[[Landlord or Property Manager Full Legal Name]]
[[Title]]
Date: [[Date]]

Enclosures: Refund check or proof of payment; copy of move-out inspection record (if prepared).

Part III, Security Deposit Return Letter (Itemized Partial Return)

SECURITY DEPOSIT RETURN, ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS

Date of Letter: [[Date of Letter]]

TO: [[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]]
[[Tenant Forwarding Address]]
[[City]], [[State]] [[ZIP Code]]

FROM: [[Landlord or Property Manager Full Legal Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]]

RE: Accounting and Return of Security Deposit, [[Rental Property Address]], [[City]], Maine [[ZIP Code]]

Dear [[Tenant First Name(s)]]:

Your tenancy at [[Rental Property Address]] ended on [[Vacate / Surrender Date]]. We have completed our inspection and accounting of the Premises.

Original Security Deposit: $[[Original Security Deposit Amount]]
Total Deductions: $[[Total Deductions Amount]]
Balance Returned: $[[Balance Returned Amount]]

Itemized Statement of Deductions

Notes on Deductions
- Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and reasonable cleaning to return the unit to move-in condition (ordinary wear excepted).
- Supporting receipts, invoices, or estimates are provided for each deduction.
- Normal wear and tear (e.g., minor scuffs, faded paint, carpet wear from normal use) is not deducted.

Payment of Balance
The balance of $[[Balance Returned Amount]] is enclosed (or being transferred) via [[Check / Direct Deposit reference [[Number]]]] dated [[Date]].

Deadline Compliance
This accounting and return (or statement) is provided within the time required by MRSA Title 14 §6033 (21 days for tenancy at will or the time stated in the written lease, not exceeding 30 days).

Forwarding Address Confirmation
Please confirm or update your forwarding address in writing if the address above is incorrect so that future communications can reach you.

Tenant Remedies
If you believe any deduction is improper or the timing requirements were not met, you may have remedies under Maine law, including an action to recover the deposit plus potential damages, costs, and attorney fees where authorized. Failure by the landlord to provide the itemized statement and return within the statutory period results in forfeiture of the right to withhold any portion.

Contact
If you have questions or wish to discuss, contact [[Landlord Phone]] or [[Landlord Email]].

Sincerely,

___________________________________
[[Landlord or Property Manager Full Legal Name]]
[[Title]]
Date: [[Date]]

Enclosures:
- Refund check or payment proof for balance
- Copies of all supporting receipts/invoices/estimates
- Move-out inspection checklist / photos (if prepared)
- Copy of this letter

Part IV, Quick Reference: Maine Security Deposit Rules (MRSA Title 14 Ch. 710-A)

1. Maximum deposit: Two months' rent for most tenants; one month's rent for tenants aged 62 or older (§6032).

2. Permissible deductions: Unpaid rent; repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear; reasonable cleaning to restore to move-in condition (if lease permits); other amounts Tenant is obligated to pay under the rental agreement.

3. Return deadline: Time stated in written lease (≤30 days) or 21 days after termination/surrender for tenancy at will (§6033).

4. Itemization required: If any amount is withheld, landlord must provide written itemized statement of deductions with the balance (if any).

5. Documentation: Supporting receipts or invoices should accompany the statement, especially for larger amounts.

6. Forfeiture: Landlord who fails to return the deposit and provide the required statement within the deadline loses the right to withhold any portion for deductions.

7. Interest / holding: Deposits must be handled per Maine requirements; no statutory interest obligation in all cases but separate accounting applies.

8. Tenant remedies: Tenant may sue for return of deposit, plus in appropriate cases damages, costs, and attorney fees., -

Sources (as of 2026-06-27)
- MRSA Title 14 §6031, §6035 (Security Deposits on Residential Rental Units).
- MRSA Title 14 §6032 (Maximum security deposit).
- MRSA Title 14 §6033 (Return of the security deposit; itemization; penalty/forfeiture).
- MRSA Title 14 §6034 (Wrongful retention; damages).
- Comparable practices from Maine landlord-tenant resources and prior verified templates.

> ⚠️ Template example, not professional (legal/financial/medical) advice. Figures and clauses must be verified for the applicable jurisdiction and kept current. This is a sample form only. Consult current Maine statutes (Title 14) and a qualified attorney for compliance. All user inputs are [[Token Name]] placeholders.