Calculate Your Maryland Deposit Deadline & Statutory Damages
Enter your move-out / key-surrender date and deposit amount to check whether your landlord is past the Maryland statutory deadline under Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203.
Maryland Security Deposit Law Quick Facts
| Governing Statute | Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203 |
|---|---|
| Return Deadline | 45 days (45 days after termination of tenancy to return deposit less rightful deductions with itemized written list) |
| Maximum Deposit Cap | 1 month's rent (up to 2 months' rent only under specific statutory exceptions) |
| Bad-Faith / Late Penalty | Up to 3.0x — Up to threefold (3x) the withheld amount plus reasonable attorney's fees |
| Small Claims Court Limit | $5,000 |
| Interest Required? | Yes — simple interest at 1.5% per year or US Treasury yield curve rate (calculated via MD DHCD calculator) |
| Walkthrough / Inspection | Yes — tenant may request in writing by certified mail (at least 15 days before moving) to be present at the move-out inspection |
Example: On a $1,800 deposit wrongfully withheld past the 45-day deadline in Maryland, statutory provisions allow claims up to $5,400 (3.0x) in Small Claims Court (limit $5,000).
Landlord Missed the Deadline or Overcharging for Normal Wear?
Get the complete Keep the Deposit Recovery System: our 48-Hour Move-Out & Dispute Handbook, 7 Fill-in-the-Blank Statutory Demand Letters (citing Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203), the 50-State Reference Guide, and the Excel Prorated Depreciation Audit Workbook.
- Certified-mail demand templates for missed deadlines & itemized receipt requests
- HUD carpet, paint & appliance useful-life prorated deduction calculator (.xlsx + PDF)
- Room-by-room photo evidence log & small-claims preparation checklist
How to Dispute Unfair Carpet, Paint & Cleaning Deductions in Maryland
Even when a Maryland landlord mails an itemized list within 45 days, they cannot charge you for normal wear and tear or bill you 100% of the replacement cost for an aged asset that has already exhausted most of its useful life.
1. Useful-Life Proration
Standard apartment carpet depreciates over 5 years (60 months). If carpet was 4 years old at move-out, the maximum recoverable value is 20% — never a full replacement bill.
2. Statutory Demand Notice
Send a written demand via Certified Mail citing Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203 and giving a firm 7-to-10 business day deadline before filing in Maryland Small Claims Court.
3. Prorated Audit Calculator
Use our free Carpet & Paint Depreciation Calculator to calculate the exact legal deduction cap in seconds.