Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

The landlord probably wants to keep the deposit to make sure they don't have any damage to repair after you leave. Your lease makes it clear that the security deposit can't be applied at your discretion to unpaid rent. However, if after you move out and if you've paid all rent due, the landlord has certain obligations with regard to inspecting the property in your presence, notifying you in a certain time period of any assessable damage, and returning any part of your deposit due with interest thereafter. Read your lease to familiarize yourself with these requirements.