Maryland Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Maryland facts

Security deposit deadline

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit plus accrued interest, less damages rightfully withheld. Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(e)(1)

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

Before filing a failure-to-pay-rent case, the landlord must give the tenant written notice of intent to file (Maryland Judiciary form DC-CV-115) giving the tenant 10 days to pay. Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-401(c)

Small claims limit

$5,000, not counting interest, costs and recoverable attorney's fees. Small claims are for money only, not return of property or performance of a service. Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 4-405

Small estate affidavit

Maryland does not use a collect-by-affidavit procedure. Instead it has 'small estate' administration through the Register of Wills: available when the property subject to administration in Maryland is worth $50,000 or… Md. Code, Estates & Trusts §§ 5-601, 5-602

Cost of a protective order

Free. The petitioner cannot be charged a filing fee or costs for issuing or serving an interim, temporary or final protective order, or a witness subpoena. Md. Code, Fam. Law §4-504(c)

Minimum wage

$15.00 per hour for most employees (since January 1, 2024). Employees under 18 may be paid 85% of the state rate. Md. Code, Labor & Employment §3-413

Final paycheck if fired

All wages due must be paid on or before the day the employee would have been paid if the job had not ended (the next regular payday). Md. Code, Labor & Employment §3-505(a)

Time limit to sue on a debt

3 years for a civil action on a contract, written or oral. 12 years for a contract under seal (a 'specialty'), but the 12-year period does not apply to hospital debt owed by a consumer. Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101; § 5-102