Maryland Security Deposit Demand Letter (Real Prop. § 8-203)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under Maryland Real Property § 8-203, a landlord must return the security deposit with interest, minus any damages rightfully withheld, within 45 days after the end of the tenancy, and must mail an itemized list of any damages claimed within the same period. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was [Move-out date].
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for up to three times the amount withheld, plus reasonable legal fees.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in Maryland
Maryland landlords have 45 days after the tenancy ends to return a security deposit, with interest, minus any damages they are entitled to keep. Deductions can cover unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and other expenses caused by the tenant's breach of the lease. Most deposits are now capped at the equivalent of one month's rent.
If the landlord keeps any part of the deposit, they must mail a written list of the damages claimed, with an itemized statement of the costs, to the tenant's last known address within the same 45 days. A landlord who skips this step loses the right to withhold anything for damages. Tenants who give notice by certified mail, with a new address, can ask to be present at the move-out inspection.
Interest is owed on deposits of $50 or more held for at least six months, at a simple rate tied to the one-year Treasury yield or 1.5% a year, whichever is greater. If a landlord fails to return the deposit and interest on time without a reasonable basis, a court can award up to three times the amount withheld, plus reasonable legal fees.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, Maryland's own deadline under Real Prop. § 8-203 is 45 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (Maryland limit: $5,000). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In Maryland, the rules are set out in Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-203. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award up to three times the amount withheld, plus reasonable legal fees.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In Maryland the limit is $5,000, which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example Maryland security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under Maryland Real Property § 8-203, a landlord must return the security deposit with interest, minus any damages rightfully withheld, within 45 days after the end of the tenancy, and must mail an itemized list of any damages claimed within the same period. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was October 15, 2026.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for up to three times the amount withheld, plus reasonable legal fees.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Maryland landlord have to return a deposit?
45 days after the tenancy ends. Within that time the landlord must return the deposit with interest, or mail you an itemized list of damages along with whatever balance remains. If you were evicted or abandoned the unit, the 45 days run from the landlord's receipt of your written demand and new address.
What happens if my Maryland landlord doesn't send an itemized list?
A landlord who fails to mail the list of damages within 45 days forfeits the right to withhold any part of the deposit for damages. The list should include supporting details about the work or materials, though an estimate is allowed if the repairs aren't finished.
Does my Maryland deposit earn interest?
Yes, for deposits of $50 or more held at least six months. Interest is simple, not compounded, at the one-year Treasury rate on the first business day of the year or 1.5% a year, whichever is greater. It is paid along with the deposit when the tenancy ends.
What can I recover in Maryland small claims court?
Small claims cases in the District Court can involve up to $5,000, not counting interest and costs. If the landlord had no reasonable basis for keeping the deposit, the court can award up to three times the amount withheld, plus reasonable legal fees.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.