ReclaimDepositMaryland Security Deposit Laws (2026)
Key rules for deadlines, penalties, and documentation requirements, with direct links to the official statute.
Deadline
45 days
45 days after termination of tenancy
Penalty
3x
Up to 3x deposit amount + reasonable attorney fees
Small claims limit
$5,000
District Court (Small Claims)
Requirements
Move-in checklistRequired
Pre move-out inspectionNot required
Certified mailNot required
Forwarding addressNot required
Notes
- Deposit must be held in interest-bearing account in MD financial institution
- Interest accrues at rate set annually by MD Dept of Housing and Community Development
- Written itemization must be sent by first-class mail to last known address
- Up to 3x damages for failure to comply + attorney fees
- Move-in/move-out inspection checklists recommended
Citations
Quick references pulled from our shared state law dataset. Always verify against the official statute.
- Md. Real Prop. § 8-203(e) - Landlord must return deposit within 45 days
- Md. Real Prop. § 8-203(e) - Landlord must send written list by first-class mail
- Md. Real Prop. § 8-203(e) - Cannot deduct for normal wear and tear
- Md. Real Prop. § 8-203(e)(4) - Failure to comply = up to 3x damages
- Md. Real Prop. § 8-203(d) - Simple interest at rate set by MD Dept of Housing
- Md. Real Prop. § 8-203(b) - Must be held in MD financial institution
Next steps
Use free tools to estimate your deadline and prepare a demand letter.