Maryland · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Maryland security deposit law

How much a landlord in Maryland can charge, the deadline to return a deposit, what may be deducted, the penalty for keeping it wrongly and how to get yours back.

Short answer

In Maryland, the deposit limit is: one month's rent per unit (up to two months only if you qualify for state utility assistance, the lease has you pay utilities to the landlord, and you agree in writing). The landlord must return it as follows: Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit plus interest, minus proper deductions, by first-class mail to your last known address.

deposit limit
1 month's rent (with exceptions)
to return a deposit
45 days
deposit penalty
Up to 3× (no reasonable basis)

Security deposit in Maryland

Limit
one month's rent per unit (up to two months only if you qualify for state utility assistance, the lease has you pay utilities to the landlord, and you agree in writing). You may choose a surety bond instead; bond plus deposit may not exceed two months' rent.
Deadline to return it
Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit plus interest, minus proper deductions, by first-class mail to your last known address. If you were evicted for breaking the lease or abandoned the home early, you must ask for the deposit in writing by first-class mail within 45 days (with your new address); the landlord then has 45 days from receiving your request.
Itemized list
Yes. Within 45 days, by first-class mail, a written list of damages with an itemized statement of costs and supporting documents (invoices, or an estimate). If the landlord used an estimate, it must send the final invoice when repairs are done and refund any amount over the actual cost within 30 days. If the landlord does not send the list, it loses the right to withhold anything for damages.
What may be deducted
Unpaid rent, damage from breaking the lease, and damage by you, your family or guests beyond ordinary wear and tear to the unit, common areas, major appliances and the landlord's furnishings. You have the right to be present at the move-out inspection if you send the landlord a certified-mail notice at least 15 days before moving with your move date and new address; if the landlord ignores this, it loses the right to withhold for damages.
Interest
Yes, on deposits of $50 or more held at least 6 months: simple interest at the 1-year U.S. Treasury yield curve rate on the first business day of each year, or 1.5% a year, whichever is greater, accruing monthly. DHCD publishes the rates and a calculator.
Separate account
Yes. Deposits must go within 30 days into an interest-bearing account used only for deposits at a federally insured bank branch in Maryland (or insured CDs or government securities).
Move-in checklist
On request. You can ask by certified mail within 15 days of moving in for an inspection with you present to list existing damage. The deposit receipt must explain your rights; a landlord who gives no written receipt owes you $25.
If the landlord keeps it wrongly
If the landlord, without a reasonable basis, fails to return any part of the deposit plus interest within 45 days, you can sue for up to three times the amount withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees. Charging more than the deposit limit also allows recovery of up to three times the excess plus attorney's fees (you can sue during the tenancy or up to 2 years after).
Law
Md. Code, Real Prop. §§8-203, 8-203.1

Get your deposit back, step by step

  1. Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
  2. Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Maryland: Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit plus interest, minus proper deductions, by first-class mail to your last known address.
  3. Wait for the deadline: Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit plus interest, minus proper deductions, by first-class mail to your last known address.
  4. If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
  5. If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $5,000. Small claims court in Maryland on Small Claims Map

Deposit return calculator for Maryland

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.

Enter your deposit and move-out dateThe result appears as you type.

An estimate from the dates you enter and the rule in our data, not legal advice. We skip weekends only where the rule counts business days, and we don't skip holidays.

Security deposit demand letter for Maryland

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

Your letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

We suggest 14 days.

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

Small claims court in Maryland

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $5,000.

How to file in Maryland

Questions about security deposits in Maryland

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

one month's rent per unit (up to two months only if you qualify for state utility assistance, the lease has you pay utilities to the landlord, and you agree in writing). You may choose a surety bond instead; bond plus deposit may not exceed two months' rent.

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

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit plus interest, minus proper deductions, by first-class mail to your last known address. If you were evicted for breaking the lease or abandoned the home early, you must ask for the deposit in writing by first-class mail within 45 days (with your new address); the landlord then has 45 days from receiving your request.

What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Maryland?

If the landlord, without a reasonable basis, fails to return any part of the deposit plus interest within 45 days, you can sue for up to three times the amount withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees. Charging more than the deposit limit also allows recovery of up to three times the excess plus attorney's fees (you can sue during the tenancy or up to 2 years after).

What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Maryland?

Unpaid rent, damage from breaking the lease, and damage by you, your family or guests beyond ordinary wear and tear to the unit, common areas, major appliances and the landlord's furnishings. You have the right to be present at the move-out inspection if you send the landlord a certified-mail notice at least 15 days before moving with your move date and new address; if the landlord ignores this, it loses the right to withhold for damages.

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Maryland?

Yes, on deposits of $50 or more held at least 6 months: simple interest at the 1-year U.S. Treasury yield curve rate on the first business day of each year, or 1.5% a year, whichever is greater, accruing monthly. DHCD publishes the rates and a calculator.

What is the small claims limit in Maryland?

$5,000.

More for Maryland renters

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Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.