Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

Tenant's Security Deposit

When I moved out my landlord kept a large portion of my security deposit for cleaning, changing locks, etc. I am intending to dispute a few of the charges. Can I still cash her check for the remainder of the funds? I heard that cashing signifies agreement. THanks so very much. I am going to search for a legal clinic to help me but I need the money right now that is tied up in that check. She kept two months' rent for deposit because I was getting divorced and had a child moving in with me.


Asked on 11/28/06, 12:00 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Tenant's Security Deposit

There are strict rules that a landlord must follow in order to retain the security deposit. For instance, he must give the tenant written notice of a post-occupancy inspection that allows the tenant to be present. He must also give the tenant written notice of the itemized list of damages he believes he is entitled to charge the tenant for within a stated time period. Failure to abide by these rules subjects the landlord to penalties up to 3 times the amount of the depost plus legal fees in a court proceeding by the tenant to recover the deposit.

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Answered on 12/07/06, 3:35 pm


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