Security Deposit Laws in Maryland
Maryland limits security deposits to 1 month's rent and requires landlords to return the deposit within 45 days after the tenancy ends, with simple interest on deposits of $50 or more held at least 6 months.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Maryland at a glance
- Security deposit limit
- 1 month's rent
- 1 month's rent (up to 2 months in limited utility-assistance cases)
- Deposit return deadline
- 45 days
- 45 days after the end of the tenancy
- Interest on deposits
- Required in some cases
- State law requires interest only in some situations, for example above a unit count or holding period
- Notice before landlord entry
- No statutory period
- No statute specifies notice
The rules in Maryland
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maryland?
Maryland limits security deposits to 1 month's rent (up to 2 months in limited utility-assistance cases).
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maryland?
Maryland rule: 45 days after the end of the tenancy.
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Maryland?
Only in some cases. Maryland law requires interest only in certain situations, for example above a number of units or after the deposit is held for a set time. Check the statute for the details.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Maryland?
Maryland has no statute that sets a notice period for landlord entry, so the lease usually governs. Giving reasonable advance notice is common practice.
Where do the Maryland rules for residential leases come from?
They come from Md. Code, Real Property 8-203, HB 693 (2024) Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act, Chapter 124 and Chapter 124 of 2024 enrolled text. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Maryland compares
Maryland is one of 30 jurisdictions that cap deposits by law. Its 45-day return deadline is longer than the most common deadline of 30 days; 39 jurisdictions require a faster return.
What this means in practice
Landlords: state the deposit amount, where it is held and how it will be returned in the lease, and send the refund with any deductions in writing within the deadline.
Tenants: record the unit's condition with photos and a move-in checklist, keep your receipts, and give the landlord a forwarding address in writing when you move out.
Both sides: normal wear and tear is generally not deductible. Disputes over deductions usually go to small claims court.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.