Maryland Security Deposit Law (2026): the New 1-Month Cap, 45-Day Rule, Interest and Triple Damages

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0530

Maryland just made its deposit rules friendlier to renters: as of October 2024 the cap dropped from two months to one. Add a 45-day return, mandatory interest, and a triple-damages penalty, and a Maryland tenant who knows the rules is in a strong position. This guide walks through every part with the section numbers so you can check the law yourself.

TL;DR: For leases signed on or after October 1, 2024, a Maryland landlord can hold no more than one month’s rent. The deposit earns interest, and the landlord has 45 days after the tenancy ends to return it with interest and a written itemized list of any deductions. Wrongful withholding exposes the landlord to up to three times the amount plus attorney fees.

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Maryland Security Deposit Law (2026): the New 1-Month Cap, 45-Day Rule, Interest and Triple Damages