Maryland Security Deposit Limits: How Much Can a Landlord Charge?
Use this free Maryland security deposit limit calculator to check if your landlord is overcharging your security deposit and track the return deadline under Maryland law.
Rent & Deposit Amounts
In Maryland, security deposits are capped at 1 month of rent. Enter your numbers to check.
How Does It Work?
Enter Amounts
Your monthly rent and the deposit your landlord charged.
Timeline
Tell us if you've moved out so we can check the return deadline.
Legal Analysis
We check the deposit limit and calculate the exact return date.
How Much Can a Landlord Charge for a Security Deposit in Maryland?
Legal basis: Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. § 8-203(b)(1) & (e)(1).
How Maryland Security Deposit Limits Work
Under Maryland Real Property Code § 8-203, landlords may collect a maximum of one month's rent as a security deposit for most residential leases. An exception exists for tenants who qualify for state utility assistance — in that case, the landlord may collect up to two months' rent, but only if this exception is specifically written into the lease.
Maryland gives landlords 45 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit — one of the longer deadlines in the states we cover. The landlord must provide an itemized list of any deductions, and any portion not accounted for must be returned with accrued interest. Deposits must be held in a federally insured institution in Maryland.
Violations carry significant penalties. If the landlord fails to return the deposit within the 45-day window, the tenant may be entitled to up to three times (3×) the deposit amount in court, plus reasonable attorney's fees. Maryland courts take these deadlines seriously.
Example: Is Your MD Deposit Legal?
Your monthly rent is $1,800 and your landlord collected $2,500 at move-in labeled "security deposit." You do not receive utility assistance.
Your landlord collected $700 more than the one-month cap allows. You can demand the excess returned immediately. The 2-month exception only applies to tenants who qualify for state utility assistance AND whose lease specifically states the higher amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum security deposit in Maryland? ▼
For most tenants, the maximum is one month's rent under Real Property Code § 8-203. The only exception is for tenants who qualify for state utility assistance — their landlord may collect up to two months' rent, but only if the lease explicitly states this.
How long does a Maryland landlord have to return my security deposit? ▼
The landlord has 45 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit with an itemized statement of any deductions. This is one of the longer deadlines among the states we cover.
What can a Maryland landlord deduct from my deposit? ▼
Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear (with documentation), and breach of lease. They must provide an itemized list of all deductions. Deductions for normal wear and tear — such as minor scuffs, carpet wear from normal use, or faded paint — are not permitted.
What happens if my Maryland landlord doesn't return my deposit within 45 days? ▼
You may be entitled to up to three times (3×) the deposit amount in damages, plus reasonable attorney's fees. Send a written demand letter via certified mail citing Real Property Code § 8-203 and the missed deadline before pursuing court action.
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