Written Leases & Security Deposit Receipts Starting October 1st

Beginning this Saturday, October 1st, a security deposit receipt, and it’s 7 required points of notification, MUST be included in the written lease.  This requirement reflects a change to Real Property Article 8-203 that was passed during the 2016 legislative session in Annapolis.  

The 7 points of notification that are required are as follows:

1.  The security deposit, or any portion thereof, may be withheld for unpaid rent, damage due to breach of lease or for damage by the tenant or the tenant’s family, agents, employees, guests or invitees in excess of ordinary wear and tear to the leased premises, common areas, major appliances, and furnishings owned by the landlord.
2. The tenant has the right to be present when the landlord or the landlord’s agent inspects the premises in order to determine if any damage was done to the premises, if the tenant notifies the landlord by certified mail of the tenant’s intention to move, the date of moving, and the tenant’s new address.
3. The notice to be furnished by the tenant to the landlord shall be mailed at least 15 days prior to the date of moving.
4. Upon receipt of the notice, the landlord shall notify the tenant by certified mail of the time and date when the premises are to be inspected.
5. The date of inspection shall occur within five days before or five days after the date of moving as designated in the tenant’s notice.
6. The tenant shall be advised of the tenant’s rights under this subsection in writing at the time of the tenant’s payment of the security deposit.
7. Failure by the landlord to comply with this requirement forfeits the right of the landlord to withhold any part of the securitydeposit for damages.

Members of MMHA can log to MMHA's website to find a sample security deposit recipt located under legislative resources.