State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
Maryland Security Deposit Laws
Under Maryland Real Property Code § 8-203, Maryland landlords must return security deposits within 45 days of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to Up to 3x the deposit wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees.
Quick Answer
In Maryland, landlords have 45 days to return your security deposit after you move out and provide a forwarding address. The maximum deposit is 2 months' rent. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $5,000) and may recover Up to 3x the deposit wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees under Maryland Real Property Code § 8-203. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
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What Maryland Law Requires
Return Deadline
Landlords have exactly 45 days to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.
Penalties for Violations
Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face Up to 3x the deposit wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $5,000without needing an attorney.
Common Deductions Landlords Make
Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.
Carpet Replacement
Typical: $600-1,8005-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Interior Paint
Typical: $250-8003-year useful life per HUD Handbook 4350.1. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
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HUD/IRS Citations
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Maryland landlord have to return my deposit?
Maryland landlords have 45 days to return your deposit with an itemized statement. Failure to comply can result in 3x penalties.
Does my Maryland landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
Yes! Maryland requires interest on all security deposits. The current rate is set by the state at approximately 3% annually.
What is the deposit limit in Maryland?
Maryland caps deposits at 2 months' rent. This is strictly enforced—excess amounts must be returned.
What penalties exist for Maryland landlords?
Bad faith withholding can result in up to 3x the deposit amount plus reasonable attorney fees.
City-Specific Rules
Some Maryland cities have additional tenant protections:
- Baltimore: Additional tenant protections. Housing mediation services available.
- Montgomery County: Strong renter protections and tenant advocacy resources.
Official Resources
- Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection(Government)
- Maryland Legal Aid(Legal Aid)
Compare Other States
See how Maryland's security deposit laws compare to nearby states:
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Based on Maryland Real Property Code § 8-203 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527