LOCAL RULES: REAL PROPERTY 8-203

Maryland security deposit statement requirements

Your Maryland security deposit statement has one rule to meet. ReportDraft puts it on your checklist and checks your draft before you sign.

  • The list of damages with itemized costs by first-class mail within 45 days
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Maryland gives a landlord 45 days after the tenancy ends to send, by first-class mail, a written list of the damages claimed with an itemized statement of the cost, and to return the rest of the deposit with interest.

Last reviewed October 23, 2026 against the official sources listed below.

Security deposit statementMARYLAND / SAMPLE

Sample notes, 123 words

Move-out statement
Rental unit: 410 Maple Avenue, Apt 3, Annapolis, MD
Landlord: Pinecrest Property Management
Tenants: Jordan Lee and Priya Raman
Moved out Oct 31, 2026, keys returned. Lease ended Oct 31, 2026.
...
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We found 4 deductions totaling $577.40: refund due to the tenant $1,222.60.

1 Maryland rule on your checklist, including the list of damages with itemized costs by first-class mail within 45 days.

Still to add

  • RecommendedNotes for move-out condition
  • RecommendedNotes for refund and questions

Filled in for you

Landlord or property managerPinecrest Property Management
Tenant namesJordan Lee and Priya Raman
Rental unit address410 Maple Avenue, Apt 3, Annapolis, MD
Tenant's forwarding address88 Elm Street, Nampa, ID 83651
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What Maryland requires

  • If any of the deposit is withheld, the landlord sends a written list of the damages claimed with an itemized statement of the cost incurred, by first-class mail to the tenant's last known address, within 45 days after the tenancy ends; missing it forfeits the right to withhold for damageMaryland Code, Real Property s. 8-203 (g)
  • A landlord who does not follow the move-out inspection rules forfeits the right to withhold any part of the deposit for damageMaryland Code, Real Property s. 8-203 (f) (1) (vii)
  • The deposit may be withheld for damage by the tenant or their household, guests or invitees in excess of ordinary wear and tear to the premises, common areas, major appliances and furnishings owned by the landlordMaryland Code, Real Property s. 8-203 (f) (1) (i)
  • A landlord who, without a reasonable basis, does not return any part of the deposit with interest within 45 days after the tenancy ends can owe up to three times the amount withheld, plus reasonable attorney's feesMaryland Code, Real Property s. 8-203 (e) (4)
  • The landlord gives the tenant a receipt for the security deposit, included in the written lease, that tells the tenant of their inspection rights, the 45-day list and refund, and the penalty of up to 3 times the deposit withheld; the landlord keeps a copy for 2 years after the tenancy endsMaryland Code, Real Property s. 8-203.1 (a) and (b) ยท Maryland Code, Real Property s. 8-203 (c)

The 45-day list by first-class mail

If any of the deposit is withheld, send the tenant a written list of the damages claimed with an itemized statement of the cost incurred, by first-class mail to their last known address, within 45 days after the tenancy ends. Missing it forfeits the right to withhold for damage.

Ordinary wear and tear and the move-out inspection

The deposit may be withheld for damage by the tenant or their household, guests or invitees in excess of ordinary wear and tear to the unit, common areas, major appliances and furnishings the landlord owns. A landlord who does not follow the move-out inspection rules forfeits the right to withhold any part of the deposit for damage.

The receipt and the penalty

The deposit receipt in the written lease tells the tenant about their inspection rights, the 45-day list and refund, and the penalty. A landlord who, without a reasonable basis, does not return any part of the deposit with interest within 45 days after the tenancy ends can owe up to three times the amount withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees.

Common mistakes

  • Emailing the list instead of sending it by first-class mail.
  • Forgetting the interest owed on the deposit.
  • Skipping the move-out inspection steps and then withholding for damage.
  • Charging ordinary wear and tear to appliances or furnishings.

Sources

Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Next review due January 23, 2027. This page explains published rules to help you write your report. It is not legal advice; the official text linked above governs.