How long does my Maryland landlord have to return my security deposit?
45 days after termination of tenancy. Use that period as a starting point, then check the exact trigger, exceptions, and current official source for your dates.
Maryland Security Deposit Demand Letter Template
A plain-language demand letter template organized around Maryland's security deposit laws, with a link to Md. Real Prop. Code § 8-203 and the usual return timing to verify for your facts.
Editable version
Copy and customize the free sample below. If you want your facts and citations assembled into a finished PDF, choose a personalized letter instead.
Reviewed: 2026-08-11
How sources are checked →45 days
Usual return period
Md. Real Prop. Code 8-203
Primary Statute
Up to 3x the amount withheld plus reasonable attorney fees when the failure lacks a reasonable basis
Possible remedies and conditions
Free Maryland demand letter template
Copy the structure, replace every placeholder, and check the dates, amounts, and supporting records before you send it.
Use this free template when
- You want a first draft you can send yourself.
- You already know the landlord, property, timeline, and amount you are claiming.
- You are comfortable filling in dates, disputed deductions, and supporting facts manually.
Before you send it
- Enter your exact dates in the calculator because the legal start date and applicable exceptions can change the result.
- Request receipts, invoices, photos, or equivalent records that support any amount kept from the deposit.
- A specific statutory notice procedure may require certified or registered mail. Check whether that procedure applies to this letter and who must send it.
Maryland law summary
Check the deadline, penalty, receipts, and inspection rules.
Maryland deadline calculator
Review a date calculated from your facts before you mail the letter.
How to write a demand letter
Use this if you want the anatomy of the letter before editing the sample.
Certified mail guide
Compare USPS services by the acceptance and delivery records they provide.
Md. Real Prop. § 8-203 generally requires the remaining deposit, accrued interest, and any required written itemization within 45 days after the tenancy ends.
Based on the information available, [X] days have elapsed since [DATE], and I have not received the accounting or amount that appears due.
Section 8-203(e)(4) permits up to three times the amount withheld plus reasonable attorney fees only when the failure lacks a reasonable basis; I reserve any remedy supported by the facts.
Replace every bracketed placeholder with your facts, dates, deductions, and requested amount before sending.
Want your answers assembled into a finished PDF?
Answer the guided questions to create a personalized PDF, then send it yourself or include one First-Class mailing.
Download the PDF — $19
Download your Maryland letter PDF and send it yourself.
PDF + one First-Class mailing — $39
Review the PDF and recipient address before you approve mailing.
Review the analysis and letter preview before deciding whether to buy.
What to include in a Maryland demand letter
- 145-day return period
- 2Written itemization by first-class mail
- 3Interest at the statute's year-specific rate
- 4Escrow in MD financial institution required
- 5Conditional bad-faith remedy (up to 3x plus attorney fees)
What the personalized PDF includes
Your name, address, and landlord details
Relevant Maryland source citations
The deductions and disputed amounts you enter
Relevant remedy language kept conditional on the required facts
A requested response date you select
Readable PDF format
Frequently asked questions
Questions to check before sending a Maryland demand letter.
What should I check before using this Maryland template?
Confirm every name, address, date, amount, deduction, requested record, citation, and response date before sending the letter.
How should I send a Maryland demand letter?
Some Maryland procedures use a specific delivery method. Check which notice and sender the rule covers, then choose a mailing service that creates the records you need.
Check the source and deadline
Check the state rule, deadline details, and common deduction issues before relying on a template.
Review Maryland security deposit law summary
Confirm deadline, documentation, and penalty rules before sending.
Maryland deadline calculator
Calculate a date from your move-out facts and review any state-specific triggers.
Maryland small claims court guide
Open current court information if you are considering filing a claim.
Bad-faith evidence guide
Review the facts and legal standard that may affect enhanced remedies.