Security Deposits Maryland: What You Need to Know Before Renting

When you rent a place in security deposits Maryland, the money a landlord holds to cover damages or unpaid rent. Also known as rental deposit, it’s not a fee—it’s a safety net for landlords, and a right you’re entitled to get back if you leave the property in good shape. Unlike some states, Maryland has strict rules about how much you can be charged, how it’s stored, and when it must be returned.

Maryland rental laws, state regulations that protect both tenants and landlords in rental agreements say landlords can’t ask for more than two months’ rent as a security deposit. That’s it. No extra fees, no hidden charges. If you’re renting a place for $1,500 a month, your deposit can’t be more than $3,000. And if you pay rent weekly or biweekly, the cap still applies based on monthly rent. Landlords must also give you a receipt, store the deposit in a separate bank account, and tell you where it’s held within 30 days of receiving it.

When you move out, your landlord has 45 days to return your deposit—or send you a written list of deductions. Those deductions? Only for actual damage beyond normal wear and tear. You won’t be charged for faded paint, worn carpet, or minor scuffs. But if you broke a window, left garbage behind, or didn’t clean the oven, they can take money from your deposit. If they don’t return it on time, or don’t explain deductions properly, you can sue for up to three times the amount wrongfully kept.

landlord tenant rights Maryland, the legal balance between what owners can require and what renters are protected from also means you can inspect the property with your landlord before moving out. Do this. Take photos. Write down the condition. If you skip this step, you’re giving up your best proof when they try to keep your money.

And here’s the thing: security deposits aren’t optional. But how they’re handled? That’s where most disputes happen. In Maryland, the system is designed to be fair—if you know the rules. Landlords who ignore them risk fines. Tenants who don’t know them lose money they’ve earned.

You’ll find real cases in the posts below—how someone got their full deposit back after a landlord tried to charge for cleaning, how another tenant fought back when their deposit was held for six months without explanation, and what to do if your landlord disappears after you move out. These aren’t hypotheticals. They’re stories from people who lived it. And they’ll show you exactly how to protect yourself.