Maryland caps most security deposits at one month's rent for leases entered on or after October 1, 2024, down from the old two-month limit. Landlords must return the deposit with interest within 45 days after the tenancy ends and provide an itemized list of any damages claimed within the same window.
Under Md. Code, Real Property § 8-203(b)(1), "a landlord may not impose a security deposit in excess of the equivalent of 1 month's rent"; § 8-203(b)(2) allows up to two months' rent only where the tenant qualifies for utility assistance, pays utilities to the landlord, and the parties agree in writing. The deposit accrues interest at the greater of the one-year U.S. Treasury yield or 1.5% per year, payable on deposits of $50 or more held at least six months (§ 8-203(e)). Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit with interest, less lawful deductions, and § 8-203(g) requires a written itemized list of damages claimed and the cost incurred within that same 45-day period.
Under Md. Real Prop. § 8-203(e)(4), a landlord who withholds a security deposit in violation of the statute is liable to the tenant for up to three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees. Charging a deposit above the cap exposes the landlord to treble the excess amount under § 8-203(b)(3).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Takoma Park, MD
Takoma Park sets residential decibel limits at 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime under Ordinance 2002-35. If ambient noise already exceeds these thresholds...
Takoma Park, MD
Takoma Park adopts Montgomery County construction noise standards (MoCo Code 31B-6) by reference. Weekday construction is allowed 7 AM to 5 PM at up to 75 dB...
Takoma Park, MD
Outdoor music in Takoma Park must comply with 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime limits. Events with amplified outdoor music require a temporary waiver requ...
Takoma Park, MD
Under Chapter 14.12 Section 9, no person may allow a dog or other animal to persistently, habitually, or continuously bark, howl, or yelp causing a noise dis...
Takoma Park, MD
Industrial and commercial noise in Takoma Park must meet the same residential decibel limits as all other sources: 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime at the...
Takoma Park, MD
Takoma Park has among the strictest leaf blower rules in the DC metro. The city noise ordinance (Ch. 14.12, Sec. 8) caps all leaf blowers at 70 dBA at 50 fee...
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