Legal Information: Maine

Housing Laws

Updated: 
November 28, 2023

What will happen to my security deposit if I terminate my lease early?

If your rental unit is damaged for any reason, including due incidents of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault, the landlord can keep your security deposit to cover the damages. The landlord cannot keep your security deposit as a penalty for breaking the lease. 

However, if the rental unit was damaged as the result of an incident of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and you provide written notice of the damage and the proper documents proving that you are a victim within 30 days of the incident, you cannot be charged any additional money for the damage.1  See What documents or proof do I need to give my landlord to get out of my lease if I am a victim? to read more about acceptable forms of documentation.

1 ME ST T. 14 § 6001(6)(B)

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