Maine · Security deposit dispute

Security deposit dispute in Maine small claims

Landlord kept your deposit? Take it to small claims.

If your landlord did not return your security deposit, or kept part of it without a proper itemized reason, small claims court is the usual place to get it back. Most states require the landlord to return the deposit (or send an itemized list of deductions) within a set number of days after you move out. Because that specific deadline varies by state and is not a filing statute of limitations, verify it with your court or state housing agency before you rely on it.

In Maine, small-claims cases are heard in the Small Claims Court (a session of the District Court) and you can sue for up to $10,000 (effective January 1, 2026).

Security deposit dispute: steps that matter

  1. Document the unit's condition at move-out (photos, video, a signed walkthrough) and keep your lease and move-in records.
  2. Send the landlord a written demand for the deposit, with your forwarding address, and keep proof you sent it.
  3. Check your state's deposit-return rules (how many days the landlord had, and whether an itemized statement was required) with your court or state housing agency.
  4. If the deposit is not returned, file in small claims within the deadline below and bring your lease, photos, and demand letter.

Filing your Statement of Claim (Form SC-001) in Maine

  1. Complete the Statement of Claim (SC-001). Fill out the Statement of Claim (SC-001) with a brief account of what happened, when, and what you want the court to do. Get the form free from any District Court clerk or the Forms page.
  2. Serve the defendant. Before filing, serve the defendant by certified mail with restricted delivery, hand delivery with an Acknowledgment of Receipt, or sheriff service in the defendant's county.
  3. File the claim and pay the fee. Once service is verified, file the Statement of Claim with the clerk within 20 days and pay the fee. If you cannot afford it, file an Application to Proceed without Payment of Fees (CV-067).
  4. Receive the hearing notice. Both parties get a Notice of Small Claims Hearing by mail with the date, time, and place. Be ready to present your case and evidence.

Filing fees: The fee to enter a small claims action is $55 (including a $15 mediation fee), set statewide by the Supreme Judicial Court (Administrative Order JB-05-26). Service costs are separate.

Deadline that applies to your security deposit dispute

A security-deposit claim is generally treated as a contract claim (your lease), so the contract statute of limitations below is the usual outer deadline to sue. Many states ALSO set a separate, shorter deadline for the landlord to return or itemize the deposit — that landlord deadline is set by your state's landlord-tenant statute, not shown here, so confirm it with your court or state consumer/housing agency.

Written contract: 6 years (14 M.R.S. § 752)

Answering a lawsuit: No written answer is required; the defendant must be prepared to respond at the hearing.

Serving the defendant: You must serve the defendant before filing, by certified mail with restricted delivery, hand delivery with an Acknowledgment of Receipt, or the county sheriff. File proof of service, then file the claim with the clerk within 20 days of verified service.

Appeals: Either side may file a Notice of Appeal within 30 days. A plaintiff may appeal on a question of law only; a defendant on a question of law or fact. Appeals are filed in the Superior Court.

This page is general information, not legal advice, and CaseBySelf is not a law firm. Rules, fees, and deadlines change and vary by court: verify with the specific court where you file. Source: Maine Judicial Branch: Small Claims. Last reviewed 2026-06-24.