Security deposit law in Maryland

The rule in Maryland

Maryland limits a residential security deposit to 1 month's rent. The wording in Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(b)(1), (e)(1): “in excess of the equivalent of 1 month's rent per dwelling unit.”

The return deadline is 45 days, counted after the end of the tenancy. The text reads: “Within 45 days after the end of the tenancy, the landlord shall return the security deposit to the tenant.”

Of the 44 jurisdictions verified here, 36 give landlords less time and 3 give more; the median is 30 days. Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma and Virginia also allow 45 days.

What the cap means in dollars: $1,000 rent: up to $1,000, $1,500 rent: up to $1,500 and $2,000 rent: up to $2,000.

Worked date: if the clock starts on November 30, 2026, the deadline falls on January 14, 2027.

In neighbouring states with verified rules: Delaware allows 20 days and caps deposits at one month's rent, Pennsylvania allows 30 days and caps deposits at two months' rent, Virginia allows 45 days and caps deposits at two months' rent and West Virginia allows 60 days and sets no cap.

§ 8-203(b)(2) allows up to 2 months' rent only when specific utility-assistance and written-agreement conditions are met.

If a deposit is not returned, the small claims limit in Maryland is $5,000 (small claims rules); at the cap, a full-deposit claim fits whenever rent is $5,000 a month or less.

Source: Maryland General Assembly, Real Property § 8-203 · last checked October 20, 2026.

If the deposit does not come back

The statute above sets the deadline; what happens after it passes is covered in general terms in the guide on a deposit that is not returned, and the way each state starts and counts the clock is compared in how deposit deadlines are counted.