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Maryland Small Claims for a Security Deposit: Where to File, What It Costs, Does It Fit

In Maryland, a security deposit claim is heard by District Court of Maryland (small claims); the court for your county is listed below. The comparable deposit claim limit is $5,000. No comparable fee amount in our county data; see the official fee schedule. Pick your county, calculate your deadline, then send a dated letter.

State law last checked .

Filing facts

CourtDistrict Court of Maryland (small claims) · Court source
Listed limits and jurisdictions$5,000 (District Court small claims only)
Comparable deposit claim limit$5,000
Time limit to sue, from state data2 years; check when the claim accrued before counting from it.
Listed county filing feesNo comparable fee amount in our county data; see the official fee schedule.
E-filing5 yes, 0 no, 19 unverified among 24 listed counties
State deposit return deadline
  • 45 calendar days after the end of the tenancy / termination of the tenancy.
  • 45 calendar days after landlord's receipt of tenant's written demand by first-class mail. Applies when: tenant was evicted or ejected for lease breach, or abandoned the premises, before termination of tenancy; ordinary 45-day return rules of (e) and (g) do not apply until tenant demands return and gives new address.
Deposit statuteMd. Code Ann., Real Prop. § 8-203

Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.

Which county is the rental in?

Does your claim fit the limit?

Enter the amount you would ask the court to award.

The comparable claim limit ranks 3 among 45 jurisdictions with a comparable amount; median $10,000. Ties share a rank. Computed from state data, not measured.

From a letter to court

  1. Calculate the return date and send a letter using your own move-out date, deposit and state conditions.
  2. Keep the letter, delivery proof, lease, payment records and photos.
  3. Use your county guide and court's official instructions to check the filing location and fee.

Calculate your deadline and next letter

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Details of the return rules
Maryland statutory deadlines
When it appliesDeadlineStarts from
No, I left normally when my tenancy ended45 daysafter the end of the tenancy / termination of the tenancy
Yes, I was evicted for breaking the lease, or I abandoned the home45 daysafter landlord's receipt of tenant's written demand by first-class mail

Maryland return rule: 45 calendar days. Check the dates you entered above.

Free Maryland template, built from verified state data

Methodology: every statute verified against primary sources. See how verification works.

I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under Maryland law (Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. § 8-203), a landlord must return the deposit or send a written, itemized list of deductions within 45 calendar days after the end of the tenancy / termination of the tenancy.

Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.

How to file

Forms: Court forms and filing information

File online: Yes

Statewide filing fee: Complaint in Small Claims Actions: Contract - Tort (new suit) $44.00

How papers are served:

  • certified mail by clerk
  • constable or sheriff
  • private process server

Attorneys allowed: Yes

Appeal window: 30 days

Complaint in Small Claims Actions: Contract - Tort (new suit) ............................................................. $44.00

Official source · Accessed

Who do you name in the claim?

Compare the name on the lease and deposit receipt with the property record and the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant. Confirm the defendant with the court or legal aid.

What to bring to the clerk

  • Lease and deposit receipt or payment record.
  • Demand letter and proof of delivery.
  • Move-out photos, inventory and any itemized deductions.
  • Your calculation and the cited deposit statute.

What you can recover

up to threefold the amount withheld without a reasonable basis, plus reasonable attorney's fees (§ 8-203(e)(4)); separately, if the itemized list of damages is not mailed within 45 days the landlord forfeits the right to withhold any part of the deposit for damages (§ 8-203(g)(2)), and in the eviction or abandonment case a landlord who does not return the deposit after the tenant's demand faces up to threefold of the withheld amount plus attorney's fees (§ 8-203(h)(3)(ii)); the 'without a reasonable basis' condition appears only in (e)(4) Bad faith required: Yes.

This is class P1, found in 36 of 51 jurisdictions. Computed from cited state records, not measured outcomes.

Statute says

If the landlord, without a reasonable basis, fails to return any part of the security deposit, plus accrued interest, within 45 days after the termination of the tenancy, the tenant has an action of up to threefold of the withheld amount, plus reasonable attorney's fees.

Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. § 8-203

What this means

Tenant resources

FAQ

Which court handles a security deposit claim in Maryland?

District Court of Maryland (small claims). Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.

What is the deposit claim limit in Maryland?

The comparable general deposit claim limit is $5,000. Check the court and claim type that applies.

What is the return deadline in Maryland?

45 calendar days or 45 calendar days (tenant was evicted or ejected for lease breach, or abandoned the premises, before termination of tenancy; ordinary 45-day return rules of (e) and (g) do not apply until tenant demands return and gives new address)

What's next?