DisputeKit / States / Maryland
Your consumer rights in Maryland
What Maryland and federal law say about getting a security deposit back, refunds and cancelling subscriptions, with the law cited and a sample letter for each.
Security deposits
45 days. Under Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-203, a landlord must return the security deposit with interest, less any damages rightfully withheld, and mail a written list of the damages claimed with an itemized statement of costs and supporting documentation within 45 days. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. If they miss that deadline, they lose the right to deduct for damages. A court may also award up to three times the amount withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees, if the landlord fails to return the deposit within 45 days without a reasonable basis.
Refunds
If a company won't refund you, send a written demand with a clear deadline. If you paid by credit card, you may also be able to dispute the charge: Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, a billing-error dispute must reach the card issuer in writing within 60 days after the first statement showing the charge.
Subscriptions
Maryland has its own automatic-renewal law for subscriptions, on top of the federal Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act.
Small claims and complaints in Maryland
- Maryland consumer law
- Maryland Code, Commercial Law § 13-303 (Maryland Consumer Protection Act)
- Where to file a complaint
- Maryland Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division
- Small claims limit
- $5,000 in the District Court of Maryland
- Filing fee
- $44 to file a small claims complaint, plus a fee for serving the defendant