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Security deposit · Maryland

45 days after tenancy ends.

By housr editorsStatute text checked 2026-10-05Legal review pending
A named legal reviewer hasn't signed this page yet. We read and quoted the statute ourselves on 2026-10-05. Until review, this page isn't indexed by search engines. This is information, not legal advice. See legal review.
The short answerMd. Code, Real Prop. §8-203(e)
Deadline45 calendar days
Before it appliesCertified-mail notice 15 days before moving, to be at the inspection
If kept in bad faithUp to three times the withheld amount, plus reasonable attorney's fees, if kept without a reasonable basis

The rule

In Maryland, the clock starts when: tenancy ends. The landlord then has 45 calendar days. The statute says:

“Within 45 days after the end of the tenancy, the landlord shall return the security deposit to the tenant together with simple interest which has accrued…”

To be present at the inspection, mail the landlord a certified-mail notice at least 15 days before you move: that you're moving, the date, and your new address.

For example, if you returned the keys on Oct 25, 2026, the date would be Dec 9, 2026. Use the Clock for your own dates.

What the landlord has to send

A written list of damages with an itemized statement of the cost, by first-class mail within 45 days; otherwise the right to withhold for damages is forfeited.

How much a deposit can be

One month's rent per unit (two months in a narrow utility-assistance case).

Interest

Simple interest at the daily U.S. Treasury 1-year yield curve rate or 1.5% a year, whichever is greater, on deposits of $50 or more held at least 6 months.

“The tenant has the right to be present when the landlord or the landlord’s agent inspects the premises in order to determine if any damage was done to the premises, if the tenant notifies the landlord by certified mail of the tenant’s intention to move, the date of moving, and the tenant’s new address.”
Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-203(f)(1)(ii)
“The notice to be furnished by the tenant to the landlord shall be mailed at least 15 days prior to the date of moving.”
Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-203(f)(1)(iii)

Do this

Mail your moving notice by certified mail

Say you're moving, the date, and your new address. Mailed at least 15 days before you move, it gives you the right to be at the inspection, which must fall within five days before or after your moving date. Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-203(f)(1)

On move-out day

Give your forwarding address in writing and keep proof of sending. Photograph every room before you return the keys.

Deductions and wear and tear

Maryland's statute limits what can be kept to the purposes it lists. We haven't summarised its wear-and-tear language yet; read the section linked above.

For a charge to replace something old, Fair Charge works out a prorated estimate from the item's age and useful life, and says where the useful life comes from. See also the item guides for carpet, paint and cleaning.

If the deadline passes

Up to three times the withheld amount, plus reasonable attorney's fees, if kept without a reasonable basis.

“If the landlord, without a reasonable basis, fails to return any part of the security deposit, plus accrued interest, within 45 days after the termination of the tenancy, the tenant has an action of up to threefold of the withheld amount, plus reasonable attorney’s fees.”
Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-203(e)(4)

The usual first step is a written demand that states the date the deposit was due and cites the statute. Our demand letter does that and carries any disputed deductions.

Your next steps

Sources

  1. Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-203(e) · checked 2026-10-05

Information, not legal advice. Statutes are quoted from official legislature sites; summaries are ours. Spotted an error? Tell us.