Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

Re: security deposits

Maryland law sets forth a detailed procedure that the landlord must follow in regard to security deposits. The simple answer to your question is that you are entitled to the return of your full deposit and 4% simple interest within 45 days of the end of your lease period. If the landlord intends to withhold all or part of the deposit for unpaid rent or damages, he must give you notice in a timely manner and, in the case of damages, allow you to attend an inspection of the property after you move out. He must then give you a written list of the damages he blames you for and the cost of repair he proposes to charge you for. His failure to do this forfeits his right to withhold the deposit and subjects him to a legal action by you for recovery of up to 3 times the amount of the deposit plus attorney's fees if he fails to return the deposit in the prescribed time period.