Maryland Real Property Article §8-203 caps residential security deposits at two months' rent, requires interest accrual at the statutory rate, and mandates itemized return within 45 days of tenancy end — Baltimore landlords must comply.
MD Real Property §8-203 limits residential security deposits to two months' rent, with willful violations exposing the landlord to treble damages plus attorney fees. Deposits must be held in a Maryland-branched, federally-insured account, and the tenant earns interest at the statutory rate set semi-annually by the Department of Housing and Community Development. Within 45 days after tenancy ends the landlord must mail an itemized statement of deductions and return the unused balance plus accrued interest. Baltimore tenants may sue in District Court small-claims for the wrongful-withholding penalty, and the Office of Civil Justice often supports such filings.
Charging more than two months' rent or wrongfully withholding without timely itemization triggers treble damages, court costs, attorney fees, and potential disciplinary action against multifamily licensees.
See how Baltimore's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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