How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Maryland?
A Maryland landlord has 45 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit with simple interest and mail a list of any damages. Here is how the days and the interest are counted, and what applies to a tenant who left early.
What is the Maryland deadline to return a security deposit?
Within 45 days after the end of the tenancy the landlord must return the security deposit to the tenant together with simple interest, less any damages rightfully withheld (Md. Code, Real Property 8-203(e)(1)). The Maryland security deposit return deadline calculator counts the days.
How are the 45 days counted?
The day the tenancy ends is not counted. Because 45 is more than 7 days, every intermediate day counts, and a last day that falls on a Sunday or legal holiday moves to the next day that is not one (General Provisions 1-302). A tenancy that ended on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 has a deadline of Saturday, December 12, and one that ended on Friday, November 20 has a deadline of Monday, January 4, 2027.
How much interest is owed?
Simple interest at the daily U.S. Treasury yield curve rate for 1 year, as of the first business day of each year, or 1.5% a year, whichever is greater. It accrues at monthly intervals from the day the tenant paid the deposit and is not compounded. No interest is due unless the landlord held the deposit at least 6 months or for any period less than a full month, and it is payable only on deposits of $50 or more (8-203(e)(2), (3)). A $1,500 deposit held 21 full months at 1.5% earns $39.38, and a higher Treasury rate earns more.
What if the tenant was evicted or left early?
The 45-day rule does not apply to a tenant who was evicted or ejected for breach of a lease before the tenancy ended or who abandoned the premises. That tenant may demand the deposit by first-class mail within 45 days of being evicted or leaving, stating the new address, and the landlord then has 45 days after receiving the notice to send the damage list and return the deposit with interest (8-203(h)).
What does the landlord forfeit by missing the deadline?
The right to withhold any part of the deposit for damages if it fails to mail the damage list in time (8-203(g)(2)). If it keeps money without a reasonable basis, the tenant has an action for up to three times the withheld amount plus reasonable attorney’s fees (8-203(e)(4)). See the move-out inspection and the penalty.
How long do I have to sue?
An action under the section may be brought at any time during the tenancy or within 2 years after it ends (8-203(b)(4)). The lease cannot waive any provision of the section (8-203(l)), and the receipt for the deposit must tell the tenant the main rules (8-203.1).
A checklist for tenants
Keep the lease and the deposit receipt, which must tell you your rights; photograph every room at move-out; if you are moving, send the certified-mail notice at least 15 days ahead with your new address; calendar the 45th day after the tenancy ends; and keep every envelope the landlord sends.
A checklist for landlords
Record the date the tenancy ended; compute the interest with the state housing department’s rate list or calculator, which a landlord may rely on; mail the refund and, if you keep anything, the written list of damages with documentation by first-class mail before the 45th day; and keep proof of mailing.
Worked example of the interest
A $1,500 deposit paid on January 15, 2025 and held until the tenancy ends on October 28, 2026 has been held 21 full months. At the 1.5% minimum the simple interest is $1,500 x 1.5% x 21/12, or $39.38. A deposit held 5 months earns none, because no interest is due unless the landlord held it at least 6 months.
Where to get help
The District Court Help Center, legal aid organizations and a licensed Maryland attorney can explain the forms and the small claims process. Bring the lease, the receipt, the dates and any letters.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does a Maryland landlord have to return a deposit?
Forty-five days after the end of the tenancy.
Is interest owed?
Yes, at the greater of the 1-year Treasury rate and 1.5% a year, for deposits held 6 months or more.
Does a weekend extend the deadline?
A last day on a Sunday or legal holiday moves to the next day; a Saturday does not move.
What if the tenant left early or was evicted?
The tenant must demand the deposit in writing within 45 days; the landlord then has 45 days.
How long can I sue after the tenancy ends?
Two years.
Official sources
- Md. Code, Real Property 8-203: security deposits
- Md. Code, General Provisions 1-302: computing time
- Md. Code, Real Property 8-203.1: security deposit receipt
A local landlord-tenant attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Maryland statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Maryland attorney.