Maine Demand Letter Generator

Maine rules for demand letters

Small claims court in Maine

The general small claims limit in Maine is $10,000. The Maine small claims sources we checked do not require a demand before filing, but a written demand is still useful evidence. No pre-suit demand requirement was found in the statute, rules or court guide. The judge may ask the parties to try mediation before the hearing.

The small claims court finder shows the filing fee for your amount, where to file and how to serve; our Maine small claims guide walks through the whole case.

Security deposits in Maine

For a tenancy at will, the landlord must return the deposit within 21 days after the tenancy ends or the premises are surrendered and accepted, whichever is later. Under a written rental agreement, the deadline is the time stated in the agreement, up to 30 days. Wrongful retention can make the landlord liable for double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees and court costs, but the tenant must first give at least 7 days' notice of intent to sue. A landlord who misses the deadline for the written statement or the return gives up the right to keep any part of the deposit. 14 M.R.S. § 6033(2)

Before suing, give the landlord notice of your intention to bring a legal action at least 7 days before you file. A letter that states you will file if not paid can serve as that notice; keep proof of delivery.

Consumer protection notice in Maine

For a damages claim under the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act (goods, services or property bought or leased mainly for personal, family or household use), you must mail or deliver a written demand for relief to the business at its last known address at least 30 days before filing. It must identify you and reasonably describe the unfair and deceptive practice you relied on and the injuries you suffered.

What a demand letter should say

A demand letter is a short, factual request for payment. It names who owes whom, how much, and why; it sets a date to pay; and it says what you will do next if you are not paid. Keep it to what you could prove to a judge: the agreement, the dates, the amount, and any payments already made.

• Your name and mailing address, the date, and the other side's name and address.
• The amount you are asking for and how you got to it.
• A short account of what was agreed and what went wrong.
• A clear deadline and how to pay.
• Your next step if you are not paid, such as filing in small claims court.

Send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt, and keep a copy for the court file.

What this tool does not do

• It does not send the letter, store it, or put anything you type in the web address. Everything stays in your browser.
• It does not calculate interest, judge whether your claim is strong, or say what a court would award.
• It does not check your statute of limitations. Use the statute of limitations calculator.
• It is general information and a template, not legal advice.