Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Maryland

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Maryland law says

Itemized deductions	Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must send a written list of damages claimed plus an itemized statement of the cost of each (with supporting documentation; cost estimates allowed) by first-class mail to the tenant's last known address. If the landlord does not, it forfeits the right to withhold any of the deposit for damages. Where estimates were used, the landlord must notify the tenant when repairs are done and refund any excess within 30 days. Move-out inspection right: if the tenant notifies the landlord by certified mail at least 15 days before moving (giving move date and new address), the tenant may attend the inspection, which must occur within 5 days before or after the move date. Failure by the landlord to comply forfeits the right to withhold for damages (§ 8-203(f)). Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(g), (j), (k)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	Deposits may be withheld for unpaid rent, for damage from breach of the lease, or for damage by the tenant, family, agents, employees, guests or invitees beyond 'ordinary wear and tear' to the premises, common areas, major appliances and landlord-owned furnishings. The statute doesn't define ordinary wear and tear or specifically address cleaning, painting or carpet. Deductions must be itemized with actual costs. The rent-escrow statute treats lack of fresh paint, rugs or carpets as cosmetic (§ 8-211(e)(2)(i)), but that doesn't define deposit deductions. Courts decide what counts as ordinary wear and tear. Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203

Itemized deductions

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must send a written list of damages claimed plus an itemized statement of the cost of each (with supporting documentation; cost estimates allowed) by first-class mail to the tenant's last known address. If the landlord does not, it forfeits the right to withhold any of the deposit for damages. Where estimates were used, the landlord must notify the tenant when repairs are done and refund any excess within 30 days.

Move-out inspection right: if the tenant notifies the landlord by certified mail at least 15 days before moving (giving move date and new address), the tenant may attend the inspection, which must occur within 5 days before or after the move date. Failure by the landlord to comply forfeits the right to withhold for damages (§ 8-203(f)).

Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(g), (j), (k)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

Deposits may be withheld for unpaid rent, for damage from breach of the lease, or for damage by the tenant, family, agents, employees, guests or invitees beyond 'ordinary wear and tear' to the premises, common areas, major appliances and landlord-owned furnishings. The statute doesn't define ordinary wear and tear or specifically address cleaning, painting or carpet. Deductions must be itemized with actual costs.

The rent-escrow statute treats lack of fresh paint, rugs or carpets as cosmetic (§ 8-211(e)(2)(i)), but that doesn't define deposit deductions. Courts decide what counts as ordinary wear and tear.

Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Maryland tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.