Starting a new lease is often a stressful time for tenants. You have to manage moving costs while ensuring your new home is safe. In Maryland, recent changes to the law have made this process more affordable for renters.
If you signed a lease recently, your landlord may have limited rights regarding the amount they can collect for a security deposit. Knowing these rules can help you keep more money in your pocket.
Verify the maximum deposit amount
You start by checking the date you signed your lease. For residential leases signed on or after October 1, 2024, a landlord cannot charge more than one month of rent for a security deposit. This cap includes any additional fees like pet deposits.
If you signed your lease before that date, the previous limit of two months of rent still applies. A landlord can only exceed the one-month limit if the tenant qualifies for utility assistance, pays utilities directly to the landlord, and agrees to the higher deposit in writing.
Identify illegal overcharges
You protect yourself by reviewing your lease for hidden costs. Many landlords try to charge a pet deposit on top of the standard security deposit. Under the 2024 Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act, these two payments combined cannot exceed the one-month limit.
If your landlord ignores this cap, they may be violating the law. You can take legal action to recover an overcharge at any time during your stay or within two years of when your tenancy officially ends.
Take action to recover your money
You strengthen your position by documenting the overcharge and requesting a refund. If a landlord refuses to comply with the one-month limit, you can file a complaint in the Maryland District Court.
Under state law, a tenant who proves an overcharge may recover up to three times the extra amount charged. You can also sue for your reasonable attorney fees as part of your case.
Protecting your rights as a renter
Landlord and tenant laws in Maryland are constantly evolving to provide better protections for residents. When you stay informed about the 2024 security deposit caps and other tenants’ rights, you ensure that you are treated fairly.
An experienced attorney can provide guidance if your landlord refuses to follow these new standards. Taking fast action helps you maintain your financial stability and hold landlords accountable for their legal obligations.