Maryland Lowered Its Security Deposit Cap to One Month

The change

Effective October 1, 2024, Maryland reduced its maximum residential security deposit from two months' rent to one month's rent. The change applies to new leases and brings Maryland in line with a growing number of states capping deposits at a single month.

What it means

• You can no longer collect two months up front on new Maryland leases.
• Existing leases generally aren't retroactively affected, but verify before renewing.
• Maryland still requires deposits to be returned (with itemization) within 45 days of move-out.

What landlords should do

• Update lease templates and move-in paperwork.
• Strengthen screening to offset the smaller deposit cushion.
• Remember that some Maryland counties (Montgomery, Prince George's, and others) also have local rent stabilization — check the rules where your property sits.

General orientation only — confirm the current statute or consult a Maryland attorney. Full details in the Maryland investor guide.