Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

Refund of Security Deposits

My lease expired on a townhouse I was renting in Owings Mills on July 30, 2000. I paid a security deposit of $1300.00. It was agreed upon that I would receive a full refund of my deposit as long as I vacated the property on the day the lease expired and the home was returned to the condition it was in when I moved in. I followed these terms and on the day I was vacating I met with the landlord to turn in keys. There was no mention on that day that it would not be returned to me as promised. The landlord, who lives in Illinois, was notified several times of my addres but still has not chosen to send the refund. I am unable to get in touch with him by phone. There are no reasons as to why I wouln't have received this refund.What actions can I take to see to the return of this substantial amount of money?


Asked on 10/04/00, 11:47 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Refund of Security Deposits

Under Maryland Landlord-Tenant law, Sec. RP 8-203, a copy of which you should be able to find in your local library, a landlord cannot withhold a security deposit unless he provides a written list of damages within 30 days after the end of the leasehold to the tenant. If he fails to do this and also fails to return the deposit within 45 days, you can sue him for up to 3 times the amount of the deposit plus attorney's fees. You can sue him in the District Court of Maryland in your county, but will have to know where to find him to serve him with the suit papers. You can get the court forms from the clerk at the courthouse. Good luck!

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Answered on 11/01/00, 5:24 pm


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