General info, not legal advice. Details

Maryland Deposit return deadline

Last reviewed 2026-10-23

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maryland?

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the security deposit with interest (the 1-year Treasury rate or 1.5% a year, whichever is greater), less damages rightfully withheld. Any withholding must be itemized in writing as required by § 8-203.1.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-203(e), 8-203.1 · last checked 2026-10-23

How this works in Maryland

Maryland gives you 45 days after the tenancy ends to return the security deposit with interest, less damages rightfully withheld. The interest is the 1-year Treasury rate or 1.5% a year, whichever is greater. Any withholding must be itemized in writing as required by § 8-203.1.

Worked example for Maryland

Example: A tenancy ends on April 30, 2026. The deposit, with interest (the 1-year Treasury rate or 1.5% a year, whichever is greater), less damages rightfully withheld, is due within 45 days, by June 14, 2026. If you withhold any of a $1,000 deposit, the withholding must be itemized in writing as required by § 8-203.1.

Maryland timelines and limits

Return deadlineWithin 45 days after the tenancy ends, with interest, less damages rightfully withheld
InterestThe 1-year Treasury rate or 1.5% a year, whichever is greater
WithholdingMust be itemized in writing as required by § 8-203.1

Maryland FAQ

How long does a Maryland landlord have to return a deposit?

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, with interest, less damages rightfully withheld, under Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-203(e), 8-203.1.

What interest is due on the deposit?

The 1-year Treasury rate or 1.5% a year, whichever is greater.

What if I withhold part of the deposit?

Any withholding must be itemized in writing as required by § 8-203.1.

Sources for this section: Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-203(e), 8-203.1 (checked 2026-10-23)

This is general information, not legal advice. The verified rule and official sources above control. Check the source or a local attorney for your situation.

Related Maryland rules

Security deposit limit

A security deposit may not exceed 1 month's rent per unit, regardless of the number of tenants. Up to 2 months' rent is allowed if the tenant qualified for state utility assistance, the lease requires utility payments to the landlord, and both agree in writing. DHCD guidance says the 1-month cap applies to leases signed on or after October 1, 2024.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(b) · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Maryland security deposit limit page

Interest on deposits

Deposits must be held in an interest-bearing Maryland account at a federally insured institution used only for deposits, within 30 days. At return (within 45 days), the deposit includes simple interest at the 1-year Treasury yield-curve rate or 1.5% a year, whichever is greater. No interest is owed if the deposit was held less than 6 months.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(d)–(e) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Maryland interest on deposits page

Move-in/move-out checklist

On request by certified mail within 15 days of moving in, the tenant can have the landlord inspect the unit with the tenant present and make a written list of existing damage. The deposit receipt must explain this right and the right to attend the move-out inspection.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203.1(a) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Maryland move-in/move-out checklist page

Abandoned property

A residential lease may not authorize the landlord to take the leased premises or the tenant's personal property without formal legal process, unless the lease has been terminated by the parties or by operation of law and the tenant has abandoned the property.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(6) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Maryland abandoned property page

Same topic in neighboring states

All Maryland landlord-tenant law · Maryland landlord FAQ · Security deposit limit · Notice to enter · Required lease disclosures · Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone) · Move-in checklist

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