Is your landlord required to give you a receipt for your security deposit in Maryland? Learn about itemization requirements, receipt obligations, and what documentation landlords must provide under Md. Real Prop. Code §8-203.
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Check My DepositIn Maryland, landlords who receive a security deposit have specific documentation obligations. Under Md. Real Prop. Code §8-203, the landlord must provide an itemized statement of any deductions within 45 days of move-out. This statement must list each deduction with a specific dollar amount and reason. Failure to provide this documentation on time can forfeit the landlord's right to make any deductions at all.
No itemization within 45 days means the landlord typically forfeits the right to make any deductions. You are entitled to your full deposit back.
Request a receipt for your deposit payment at the time of payment
After move-out, track the calendar from your move-out date
If 45 days pass with no itemization, send a demand letter
Keep all email correspondence with your landlord as evidence
A missing or late itemization dramatically strengthens your court case
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Wear & Tear ProtectedQuestions
Your Maryland landlord has 45 days after your move-out date to return your security deposit along with an itemized statement of any deductions. This deadline is set by Md. Real Prop. Code §8-203.
If your landlord misses the 45-day deadline, you may be entitled to up to 3× the amount wrongfully withheld under Md. Real Prop. Code §8-203(e)(4). The penalty applies when your landlord acted in bad faith.
No. Maryland law under Md. Real Prop. Code §8-203 explicitly prohibits landlords from deducting for normal wear and tear. This includes faded paint, minor scuffs, small nail holes, and carpet thinning from regular use. Deductions must be for actual damage beyond what normal living causes.
Maryland landlords have documentation obligations under Md. Real Prop. Code §8-203. At a minimum, when making deductions, they must provide an itemized written statement within 45 days. Some states also require a receipt upon deposit collection. Keep records of all payments you make to your landlord.
A legally sufficient itemization in Maryland must list each deduction as a separate line item with a specific dollar amount and reason. Vague descriptions like "cleaning: $400" are generally insufficient. The itemization must be delivered within 45 days under Md. Real Prop. Code §8-203.
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