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Maryland security deposit: 45 days to get it back

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit plus any interest owed, less damages rightfully withheld, and mail a written list of claimed damages with actual costs. If the tenant was evicted or abandoned the unit, the tenant may demand the deposit by first-class mail within 45 days, giving a new address.

What the law requires

Itemized statement: To deduct for damage, the landlord must mail a written list of damages with an itemized statement of the cost actually incurred, first-class to the tenant's last known address. Statements must include supporting documentation identifying materials or services, or an estimate, and a copy of the final invoice for repairs made. No dollar threshold found. The deposit is not liquidated damages.
Forwarding address: The statute ties the tenant's new address to the right to attend the move-out inspection (certified-mail notice at least 15 days before moving) and to the demand an evicted or departed tenant must make. One secondary source says a forwarding address is not a statutory condition for an ordinary refund; giving one in writing is still wise.
If the landlord breaks the rules: If the landlord, without a reasonable basis, fails to return the deposit and interest within 45 days, the tenant may sue for up to three times the amount withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees. A landlord who fails to give the written deposit receipt owes the tenant $25 (§ 8-203.1).
Loss of the right to deduct: Yes. A landlord who does not mail the written damages list with itemized costs within 45 days forfeits the right to withhold any part of the deposit for damages. A landlord who does not honor the tenant's inspection rights under § 8-203(f) also forfeits the right to withhold for damages.
Deposit cap: One month's rent per dwelling unit, regardless of the number of tenants. Up to two months' rent is allowed only if the tenant qualifies for Department of Human Services utility assistance, the lease requires the tenant to pay utilities directly to the landlord, and both agree in writing. Over-charging allows recovery of up to three times the excess plus attorney's fees.
Small claims limit: $5,000 in District Court of Maryland (small claims, claims of $5,000 or less)
Statute: Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-203 and 8-203.1

Recent changes

Deposit cap of one month's rent (with a narrow two-month exception) took effect Oct 1, 2024 per a secondary source; the 2026 statute text shows the one-month cap. No 2025 or 2026 amendments to § 8-203 found.

If your landlord misses the deadline

Write down your dates and gather proof: move-out date, the date you gave your forwarding address, the deposit amount, and anything the landlord sent. Photos and receipts help.
Send a written demand by certified mail, keep the receipt, and cite Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-203 and 8-203.1. Give a date to respond.
If you still aren't paid, file in District Court of Maryland (small claims, claims of $5,000 or less). Deposit claims up to $5,000 can be filed there, usually without a lawyer. Check the court's website for current filing fees and forms.

What a Maryland demand letter looks like

Re: Demand for return of security deposit / Rental address: [Street address, unit, city, state ZIP]

Dear [Landlord name]:

I rented the property above from you under a lease that began on [lease start date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount] on [date paid]. I moved out and returned possession on [move-out date].

My forwarding address is [forwarding address]. Please send my deposit and any required statement to that address.

[A.] I have not received my deposit or an itemized statement of deductions. Under Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-203 and 8-203.1, a landlord must return a tenant's security deposit, or send an itemized statement of any deductions, within 45 days after the tenant moves out. That deadline passed on [deadline date].

Preview of the first part of letter one. Yellow marks the parts you fill in.

Common questions

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

What happens if a Maryland landlord keeps the deposit wrongfully?

If the landlord, without a reasonable basis, fails to return the deposit and interest within 45 days, the tenant may sue for up to three times the amount withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees. A landlord who fails to give the written deposit receipt owes the tenant $25 (§ 8-203.1). Yes. A landlord who does not mail the written damages list with itemized costs within 45 days forfeits the right to withhold any part of the deposit for damages. A landlord who does not honor the tenant's inspection rights under § 8-203(f) also forfeits the right to withhold for damages.

Do I have to give my Maryland landlord a forwarding address?

The statute ties the tenant's new address to the right to attend the move-out inspection (certified-mail notice at least 15 days before moving) and to the demand an evicted or departed tenant must make. One secondary source says a forwarding address is not a statutory condition for an ordinary refund; giving one in writing is still wise.

Where do I sue for my deposit in Maryland?

Deposit claims up to $5,000 can be filed in District Court of Maryland (small claims, claims of $5,000 or less). Check the court's website for current filing fees and forms.

Other states

Rules reviewed October 2026. Laws change, so confirm with the statute before you rely on this page.