Maryland Law
In Maryland, security deposits need to be returned to the tenant within 45 days of the end of the lease. You need to include an explanation of any charges that were made against the security deposit. This is where there always seems to be a dispute between tenants and landlords. Tenants often disagree with what they are required to pay.
Inspections
Inspections will help you avoid these disputes. The move in inspection is where you start. Prior to a tenant moving in, you want inspect everything in the home and document its condition. Take plenty of pictures to back up your inspection report.
While the tenant is living in the property, we also recommend quarterly inspections. This will help you create a history between the time they moved in and the time they moved out. If you notice any damage during these inspections, document it and photograph it.
Finally, the move out inspection will allow you to compare how the property looked before the tenant moved in and how it looked after the tenant moved out. Once the tenant has left, do a full inspection and take pictures of all the same things. If there is a dispute between you and your tenant, it will all come down to evidence. Your inspection reports and pictures will be the evidence that supports your reasons for withholding money from the security deposit.
This is one of the things we manage for the people who work with us. If you have any questions or need any help, please contact us at The Maryland and Delaware Group of Long & Foster and we’d be happy to tell you more.
