Bangor, ME asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maine

Q: Can a landlord ask for more security deposit without proof that repairs have cost more than you deposit after signing

Landlord has asked for more security deposit claiming we have cussed more damage than the deposits but will not provide receipts for the repairs and no repairs have been done over 100$

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1 Lawyer Answer
Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Yarmouth, ME
  • Licensed in Maine

A: The first place to look for the answer to your question is the lease – if you have one. The lease terms should address this. If the lease terms do not or if you do not have a written lease, then Pine Tree Legal has this to say: Security deposits are your money that a landlord is just holding. They can only use it after you move out to cover rent owed or damages you cause to the apartment. While you live there your landlord has to keep your security deposit in a special bank account. If their business goes under or they declare bankruptcy your security deposit would be safe in this account.

The fact that your landlord will not provide you with proof of the types of repairs and amounts spent on repairs also supports your refusal to provide any additional security deposit funds.

Finally, Maine law says the security deposit can’t be more than two times the monthly rent.

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