Md. Real Property § 8-203: Maryland security deposit rules in plain English
What Md. Real Property § 8-203 says about Maryland security deposits: the cap, the deadline to return the deposit, itemized deductions and interest. Every fact below comes from our statute-checked data. Last verified 2026-10-22.
Quick answer
- Return deadline
- 45 days
- Maximum deposit
- 1 month's rent per unit (since Oct 1, 2024); up to 2 months only if the tenant qualified for utility assistance through the Department of Human Services, the lease requires paying utilities directly to the landlord, and both agree in writing. Overcharge: tenant may recover up to 3x the excess plus attorney fees.
- Itemized list
- Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required
- Interest
- Yes: simple interest at the greater of the 1-year U.S. Treasury yield rate or 1.5% per year, only on deposits of $50 or more held at least 6 months.
What Md. Real Property § 8-203 says, as we verified it
Deposit limit
1 month's rent per unit (since Oct 1, 2024); up to 2 months only if the tenant qualified for utility assistance through the Department of Human Services, the lease requires paying utilities directly to the landlord, and both agree in writing. Overcharge: tenant may recover up to 3x the excess plus attorney fees.
Interest
Yes: simple interest at the greater of the 1-year U.S. Treasury yield rate or 1.5% per year, only on deposits of $50 or more held at least 6 months.
Full citation: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(b), (e), (g) Read the official text
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FAQ: Md. Real Property § 8-203
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit under Md. Real Property § 8-203?
Under Md. Real Property § 8-203, a Maryland landlord has 45 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Maryland?
1 month's rent per unit (since Oct 1, 2024); up to 2 months only if the tenant qualified for utility assistance through the Department of Human Services, the lease requires paying utilities directly to the landlord, and both agree in writing. Overcharge: tenant may recover up to 3x the excess plus attorney fees.
Does Maryland require an itemized list of deductions?
Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required. Citation: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(b), (e), (g).
Does the landlord have to pay interest on the deposit in Maryland?
Yes: simple interest at the greater of the 1-year U.S. Treasury yield rate or 1.5% per year, only on deposits of $50 or more held at least 6 months.
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Scan my Maryland leaseGeneral information only, not legal advice. Last verified 2026-10-22. Laws change; verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.