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Baltimore, MD · Security deposit

Baltimore security deposit

Security-deposit caps, itemization, and return deadlines for a Baltimore rental live mainly in Maryland law (Maryland Real Property landlord and tenant title). Photograph the unit, return keys the way the lease requires, and keep a forwarding address. Baltimore City and Baltimore County are different governments. Use the City DHCD stack only if the unit is in the City. This desk does not reprint a dollar cap.

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  • Photograph the empty unit and the keys as you return them.
  • Give a forwarding address in writing.
  • Keep the lease, the deduction list, and proof of mailing.
  • Open the Maryland deposit chapter before you treat a blog as the clock.

Who sets the deposit rule in Baltimore?

Usually Maryland — Maryland Real Property landlord and tenant title. Some cities add their own itemization or holding rules. Baltimore City and Baltimore County are different governments. Use the City DHCD stack only if the unit is in the City. This desk names the chapter. It does not reprint a cap or a day-count.

What evidence actually matters?

Move-in and move-out photos with dates, the lease, the forwarding address you gave, proof you returned the keys, and any deduction list. A text argument without photos is a weak file.

What extra rules does Baltimore City have?

Maryland is the floor. Baltimore City has added local rental-licensing and tenant-protection rules. Housing and 311 are the City doors. District Court hears rent court / failure-to-pay cases. Baltimore County is a different government.

The Baltimore layer

Baltimore City and Baltimore County are different governments. Use the City DHCD stack only if the unit is in the City.

Maryland Real Property landlord and tenant title (Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-101 to 8-604) is the Maryland floor. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.

Baltimore questions

How do I get my security deposit back in Baltimore?

Photograph the unit, return the keys as the lease requires, and give a forwarding address in writing. The clock and the cap live mainly in Maryland Real Property landlord and tenant title. Baltimore City and Baltimore County are different governments. Use the City DHCD stack only if the unit is in the City.

Does Baltimore set its own deposit deadline?

Sometimes a city adds a rule; often it does not. Baltimore City and Baltimore County are different governments. Use the City DHCD stack only if the unit is in the City. Confirm with Baltimore City DHCD and the Maryland chapter. We do not invent a day-count.

What extra rules does Baltimore City have?

Maryland is the floor. Baltimore City has added local rental-licensing and tenant-protection rules. Housing and 311 are the City doors. District Court hears rent court / failure-to-pay cases. Baltimore County is a different government.

What number should I call in Baltimore?

Danger: 911. Mental-health crisis: 988. City services: 311. Court papers: LawHelp.org the same day. Baltimore City DHCD does not replace legal aid when a case is filed.

National answers on this desk

Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org