Free Maine Cash for Keys Agreement Template

Last reviewed September 2026

Written by LawLease Editorial

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Maine Cash for Keys Agreement

This Cash for Keys Agreement is built with Maine as the governing state. These are the Maine landlord-tenant rules that most often bear on it, with the statute for each.

Maine rules at a glance

Maine rules for a Cash for Keys Agreement
Security deposit limit	2 months’ rent14 M.R.S. §6032
Deposit return	Written lease: period stated, max 30 days · Tenancy at will: 21 days14 M.R.S. §6033
Tenancy-at-will termination	30 days’ written notice · 7 days for specified causes14 M.R.S. §6002
Nonpayment eviction notice	7 days once rent is 7+ days in arrears14 M.R.S. §6002(1)(C)

Security deposits in Maine

A Maine lease or tenancy-at-will agreement may not require a security deposit of more than two months’ rent (§6032). Separately, a landlord can’t require more up front than the first full month’s rent, the capped deposit, and any properly disclosed mandatory recurring fee (§6022-A).

How it’s held — Deposits can’t be commingled with the landlord’s assets and must be held in a bank account beyond the reach of the landlord’s creditors. On request, the landlord must tell the tenant the institution and account number. A violation costs the landlord the greatest of actual damages, $500, or one month’s rent, plus costs (§6038).
Return deadline — Under a written lease, the deposit or an itemized statement with the balance is due within the period the lease states, which can’t exceed 30 days. Under a tenancy at will, it’s due within 21 days after the later of termination or surrender of the unit (§6033(2)).
Allowed deductions — Normal wear and tear can never be charged (§6033(1)). Permitted reasons include unpaid rent, unpaid utilities owed to the landlord, and the cost of storing and disposing of property the tenant left behind (§6033(2)).
Penalties — Missing the deadline forfeits the right to keep any of the deposit (§6033(3)). After a 7-day demand letter, wrongful retention exposes the landlord to double the amount withheld plus attorney fees, and the landlord bears the burden of proof (§6034).
Cash receipts — A written receipt is required for any rent or deposit paid in cash, except in owner-occupied buildings of five or fewer units (§6022).

Maine Cash for Keys Agreement FAQs

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maine?

No more than two months’ rent (14 M.R.S. §6032). And at move-in, a landlord can’t require more than the first month’s rent, the deposit, and any properly disclosed mandatory recurring fee (§6022-A).

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maine?

Under a written lease, within the time stated in the lease, up to a maximum of 30 days; under a tenancy at will, within 21 days after the tenancy ends or the unit is surrendered, whichever is later. A landlord who misses the deadline forfeits the right to withhold anything (§6033).

Cash for Keys Agreement in other states

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