Security Deposit Return Process

Summary

Landlords in Maryland must return security deposits within 45 days of a tenant moving out. If no itemized list of damages is provided, tenants may be entitled to the full deposit plus up to three times the withheld amount and reasonable attorney’s fees. To proceed, tenants can send a demand letter to the landlord and, if necessary, file a complaint with the Maryland District Court. The demand letter should include personal details, the deposit amount, move-out date, and a response deadline. Filing a complaint involves completing a form and submitting it with a fee.

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landlord refuses to return my security deposit

Hi Ariel, I'm sorry to hear about your issue. Could you please tell me if you have moved out of the rental property and whether you provided your landlord with a forwarding address? This information will help me provide you with the relevant legal information.

yes and yes

Thank you, Ariel. Here are some steps you can take under Maryland law:
- Landlords in Maryland must return the security deposit within 45 days of moving out.
- They must provide a written list of damages and costs deducted from the deposit.
Have you received any communication or itemized list from your landlord?

Under Maryland law, if you have not received any communication or itemized list of damages within 45 days, you may be entitled to receive your full security deposit back. Additionally, you may also be entitled to up to three times the withheld amount plus reasonable attorney’s fees.
Would you like guidance on how to proceed with this matter?

yes

Certainly, Ariel. Here are the steps you can take to proceed:
*. **Send a Demand Letter:** Draft and send a written demand letter to your landlord requesting the return of your security deposit.
*. **File a Complaint:** If the landlord does not respond, you can file a complaint with the Maryland District Court.
Would you like more details on how to draft the demand letter or file the complaint?

yes

How to Draft a Demand Letter and File a Complaint:
- **Drafting a Demand Letter:**
- Include your name, address, and contact information.
- State the reason for the letter (return of security deposit).
- Mention the amount of the deposit and the date you moved out.
- Reference Maryland law requiring the return of the deposit within 45 days.
- Give a deadline for the landlord to respond (e.g., 14 days).
- **Filing a Complaint:**
- Visit the Maryland District Court website or local courthouse.
- Fill out a Complaint form (DC-CV-*).
- Submit the form with the filing fee to the court.
Would you like more details on either of these steps?

yes

Sure, Ariel. Here are more details:

Drafting a Demand Letter:
- **Introduction:** State your name, address, contact information, and the purpose of the letter.
- **Specifics:** Specify the amount of the security deposit, the date you moved out, and remind the landlord of Maryland law requiring return within 45 days.
- **Deadline:** Clearly state a deadline for the landlord to respond, typically within 14 days.

Filing a Complaint:
- **Forms:** Obtain and complete the Complaint form (DC-CV-*) from the Maryland District Court.
- **Submission:** Submit the completed form along with the required filing fee at your local courthouse or through the Maryland District Court website.
Would you like assistance with any specific part of this process?

Security Deposit Return Process

Summary

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