Maryland ordinarily caps a cash security deposit at one month's rent per dwelling unit. It must be held in a qualifying interest-bearing in-state account and returned with required interest, less lawful withholding, within 45 days after the tenancy ends.
A narrow written utility-assistance arrangement may permit up to two months' rent. Interest applies to deposits of at least $50 held for at least six months, at the daily one-year U.S. Treasury yield-curve rate for the first business day of the year or 1.5% annually, whichever is greater. Unreasonable withholding can expose the landlord to up to threefold damages plus reasonable attorney's fees.
- Damages
- 3× the deposit, plus fees