Updated for 2026

Maryland Security Deposit Laws & Calculator

Maryland landlords must return your security deposit within 45 days after the tenancy ends. The state caps deposits at 1 month's rent (for leases signed on or after October 1, 2024) and requires landlords to pay interest on deposits held 6 months or longer. Use our free calculator to see exactly what you're owed.

Calculate My Refund Generate Demand Letter

Maryland Security Deposit — Quick Facts

Return Deadline
45 Days
After tenancy ends
Maximum Deposit
1 Month's Rent
Leases after Oct 1, 2024
Penalty for Late Return
Up to 3× Withheld
+ attorney fees
Interest Required
✓ Yes
On deposits $50+ held 6+ months
Applicable Law
Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203
Interest Requirement: Maryland landlords must pay interest on security deposits of $50 or more held for at least 6 months. The rate is the greater of 1.5% or the U.S. Treasury yield curve rate for 1-year obligations. If your landlord hasn't been paying interest, you may be owed additional money on top of your deposit refund.

Calculate Your Maryland Deposit Refund

Enter your deposit amount and move-out date to instantly see your landlord's deadline, any penalties owed, and your total refund.

Open Full Calculator Generate Demand Letter

Maryland Security Deposit Law — Explained

The 45-Day Return Deadline

Under Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203, Maryland landlords have 45 days after the tenancy ends to return the security deposit along with any accrued interest, minus lawful deductions. The landlord must provide a written itemized list of damages if any portion is withheld. The 45-day clock starts when the lease terminates and the tenant has vacated — not when notice is given.

What Your Landlord Can — and Cannot — Deduct

Maryland landlords may deduct for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and breach of lease obligations. Normal wear and tear — faded paint, minor carpet wear, small nail holes — cannot be charged to the tenant. The landlord must provide an itemized list of all deductions with the remaining balance.

Importantly, Maryland requires landlords to provide tenants with a written list of existing damages at move-in. If the landlord fails to do this, their ability to make deductions may be limited.

Penalties for Wrongful Withholding

Maryland has one of the stronger penalty provisions in the country. If a court finds the landlord had no reasonable basis for withholding the deposit, the tenant can recover up to 3× the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney fees. This is a significant deterrent — landlords who play games with deposits face real financial consequences.

Interest on Security Deposits

Maryland is one of the states that requires landlords to pay interest on security deposits. For deposits of $50 or more held for at least 6 months, the landlord must pay interest at the greater of 1.5% or the U.S. Treasury yield curve rate for 1-year obligations. The interest must be paid within 45 days of the end of tenancy, along with the deposit refund. If the landlord fails to pay required interest, the tenant may recover up to 3× the interest owed.

Deposit Cap: 1 Month's Rent (Effective October 2024)

Under the Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024, Maryland now caps security deposits at 1 month's rent for leases signed on or after October 1, 2024. Leases signed before that date were subject to the previous 2-month cap. If your landlord charged more than the applicable limit, you may be entitled to a refund of the overage. This cap applies regardless of whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished.

What to Do If Your Landlord Is Late

  1. 1
    Document everything before you leave Take timestamped photos and video of every room. Keep copies of your lease, move-in inspection report, and all communications with your landlord.
  2. 2
    Provide your forwarding address in writing Send your new address via email or certified mail so the landlord has no excuse for not returning the deposit.
  3. 3
    Send a formal demand letter after 45 days Use RenterCalc's demand letter generator to create a professional letter citing Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203 and requesting return within 14 days.
  4. 4
    Wait 7–14 days for a response Give your landlord a reasonable window to respond. Keep copies of everything you send.
  5. 5
    File in District Court if no response Maryland's small claims limit is $5,000 in District Court. You can sue for the deposit plus up to 3× the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney fees.

Maryland Security Deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maryland?
Maryland landlords have 45 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit with accrued interest, minus any lawful deductions. They must provide an itemized list of any deductions.
What is the maximum security deposit in Maryland?
For leases signed on or after October 1, 2024, Maryland caps security deposits at 1 month's rent under the Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act. Leases signed before that date were subject to a 2-month cap.
Does Maryland require interest on security deposits?
Yes. Landlords must pay interest on deposits of $50 or more held for at least 6 months. The rate is the greater of 1.5% or the U.S. Treasury yield curve rate for 1-year obligations.
What is the penalty for not returning a security deposit in Maryland?
If the landlord had no reasonable basis for withholding, the tenant can recover up to 3× the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney fees under § 8-203.
How do I get my security deposit back in Maryland?
Document the unit at move-out, provide your forwarding address, and wait 45 days. If the deposit isn't returned, send a demand letter citing § 8-203. If unresolved, file in District Court for up to $5,000.

Ready to Calculate Your Maryland Refund?

It takes less than 60 seconds. Free for every renter.

Use the Calculator → Generate a Demand Letter →