Takoma Park, MD Security Deposit Laws 2026
Maryland limits security deposits to 2 month's rent. In Takoma Park, that's $4,492 at the median 2BR rent of $2,246/month. Miss the 45-day return deadline and you could owe $6,738+.
In Maryland, landlords must return security deposits within 45 days after move-out. The maximum deposit is 2 month's rent. Failure to return on time or provide an itemized statement can result in penalties of $6,738 or more.
Key Takeaways — Takoma Park Security Deposit Laws
- Maximum deposit: 2 month's rent = $4,492 at Takoma Park's median rent
- Return deadline: 45 days after tenant moves out
- Penalty for late return: Up to 3x the deposit ($6,738)
- Itemized statement: Required with any deductions
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Security Deposit Laws in Takoma Park
Under Maryland law, landlords in Takoma Park may collect a maximum security deposit of 2 month's rent. At Takoma Park's median 2-bedroom rent of $2,246/month, that means the most you can legally collect is $4,492.
$4,492
max deposit (2mo × $2,246)
45 days
return deadline
$6,738
max penalty for late return
Returning the Deposit: The 45-Day Clock
Once a tenant moves out of your Takoma Park rental, Maryland law gives you exactly 45 days to either return the full deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. The clock starts on the day the tenant surrenders possession — not when you inspect the unit.
LeaseBase tracks this 45-day deadline automatically for each of your Takoma Park properties.
Start free →What you can deduct from a security deposit in Takoma Park:
- Unpaid rent
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Cleaning costs to restore the unit to move-in condition
- Costs for restoring or replacing personal property (if lease allows)
What you cannot deduct:
- Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, carpet wear, faded paint)
- Pre-existing damage (document with photos at move-in)
- Professional cleaning if the tenant left the unit in reasonable condition
Penalty Warning
Violate Maryland security deposit laws rules in Takoma Park and you could owe $6,738+. At Takoma Park's median rent of $2,246/month, even a single violation adds up fast.
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LeaseBase calculates deposit limits and tracks return deadlines for each property — so you never trigger penalties.
Start free →How Takoma Park Rents Affect Deposit Amounts
Deposit amounts scale with local rents. Here's what Takoma Park landlords typically collect:
| Unit Size | Median Rent (Takoma Park) | Max Deposit (2mo) | Penalty Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,953/mo | $3,906 | $11,718 |
| 1-Bedroom | $2,015/mo | $4,030 | $12,090 |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,246/mo | $4,492 | $13,476 |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,835/mo | $5,670 | $17,010 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Montgomery County.
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More Takoma Park Landlord Laws
Security Deposit Laws in Nearby Cities
Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:
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Download Free ChecklistReviewed by Rachid Abadli
Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019
LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.
