Maryland security deposit laws
In Maryland, your landlord has 45 days to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Here is what the law requires, what they can and cannot keep, and how to get your money back.
Return deadline
45 days
After you hand back the keys
Penalty for wrongful withholding
Up to 3x
Landlord forfeits the right to withhold; you can recover up to three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney's fees
Small claims limit
$5,000
Covers most deposit disputes
Itemized statement
Required
For any deductions the landlord takes
Related states
Compare nearby security deposit rules and deadlines.
What your Maryland landlord must do
Return the deposit on time
Under Md. Code Real Prop., §§ 8-203, 8-203.1, 8-208, the landlord generally must return your deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions within 45 days after you move out. Missing that deadline often weakens or forfeits their right to keep any of it.
Justify every deduction
An itemized statement of the deductions is required, and vague or unsupported charges do not meet the standard. Normal wear and tear is never deductible.
Common Maryland deposit disputes
Pick the situation that matches yours for the Maryland-specific rules and a ready-to-send demand letter.
Maryland security deposit questions
How long does a landlord in Maryland have to return a security deposit?
Under Md. Code Real Prop., §§ 8-203, 8-203.1, 8-208, a Maryland landlord generally has 45 days after you move out to return the deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions.
What can a Maryland landlord deduct from a security deposit?
Only actual damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or other charges the lease and Maryland law allow. An itemized statement of the deductions is required. Ordinary wear from normal use is not deductible.
What happens if my Maryland landlord keeps my deposit unfairly?
Landlord forfeits the right to withhold; you can recover up to three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney's fees A demand letter that cites Md. Code Real Prop., §§ 8-203, 8-203.1, 8-208 and the missed deadline is the standard first step before small claims.
Can I sue my landlord in Maryland small claims court over a deposit?
Yes. Maryland small claims court handles deposit disputes for amounts up to $5,000, which covers most deposits plus the statutory penalty. You do not need a lawyer.
Not legal advice
RentBack is jurisdiction-accurate legal research and drafting support for renters, not a law firm and not a substitute for a licensed attorney.