Do this today
- Keep move-in and move-out photos, dated, of every room and the condition of walls, floors, appliances, and keys.
- Keep the lease, the receipt for the deposit, and a record of how keys were returned.
- Give a forwarding address in writing.
- List each disputed deduction in one sentence with the reason.
What usually has to be proven?
A deposit dispute in Maryland is a records problem first. What was paid, what was deducted, what the unit looked like at both ends, and whether keys were returned as the lease required. Maryland Real Property landlord and tenant title is the chapter to open for caps, timing, and itemization — not a national chart.
Should I send a demand letter?
A calm, dated letter that lists each deduction and a way to reach you is something any renter can write. Send it in a way you can prove. Small-claims court exists in Maryland; whether it is worth filing, and what the court can order, is a question for legal aid or the court's own self-help materials.
Does Maryland add rules on top of the federal Fair Housing Act?
Yes — Maryland and some counties add protected classes and local rental-licensing rules. Baltimore City has its own stack. Confirm with the City or County housing office, not with a DC DHCD rumor.
The Maryland chapter
Maryland Real Property landlord and tenant title (Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-101 to 8-604) is the starting point. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.
Maryland state law is the floor. Cities may add rent boards, just-cause rules, or extra protected classes. Confirm locally.
Official sources
Common questions
Is there a national cap on security deposits in Maryland?
No. Any cap, any itemization rule, and any return deadline for Maryland live in Maryland Real Property landlord and tenant title — sometimes in a city rule too. This site does not reprint them.
Can my landlord in Maryland keep the deposit for normal wear?
Ordinary wear and damage are different ideas in most states. What counts as each is a Maryland and facts question. Photos from move-in and move-out are what make that argument possible.
Where do I confirm the Maryland deposit rule?
Open Maryland Real Property landlord and tenant title, or take the file to legal aid. A city housing department may add rules the state does not.
Does Maryland add rules on top of the federal Fair Housing Act?
Yes — Maryland and some counties add protected classes and local rental-licensing rules. Baltimore City has its own stack. Confirm with the City or County housing office, not with a DC DHCD rumor.
The national security deposit guide has the full sequence. Open the security deposit guide
People also ask
Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org