This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Maryland Treble Damages for Security Deposit Withholding Discretionary

In Maryland, treble damages for security deposit withholding are discretionary, not automatic, and capped at three times the amount wrongfully withheld. Under Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(e)(4), a landlord who fails to return a security deposit without a lawful basis may face a penalty of up to three times the deposit, plus actual damages. The court decides whether to award the multiplier based on the circumstances. Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act (Com. Law § 13-408) does not provide treble damages, only actual damages and fees. The official statute sets out the factors and exceptions governing this penalty. The worked example below shows how the three‑times calculation applies. Use the DocketMath calculator to estimate a potential award under your specific facts.

Governing authority

In Maryland, the treble damages rule is set by Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(e)(4) (security deposit — discretionary up-to-3x penalty for unjustified withholding); Md. Code, Com. Law § 13-408 (Maryland Consumer Protection Act — actual damages + fees only, NOT treble). The verified packet cites Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(e)(4) (security deposit — discretionary up-to-3x penalty for unjustified withholding); Md. Code, Com. Law § 13-408 (Maryland Consumer Protection Act — actual damages + fees only, NOT treble) (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=grp&section=8-203).

Maryland treble damages: the verified value is 3x under Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(e)(4) (security deposit — discretionary up-to-3x penalty for unjustified withholding); Md. Code, Com. Law § 13-408 (Maryland Consumer Protection Act — actual damages + fees only, NOT treble). The verified packet cites Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(e)(4) (security deposit — discretionary up-to-3x penalty for unjustified withholding); Md. Code, Com. Law § 13-408 (Maryland Consumer Protection Act — actual damages + fees only, NOT treble) (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=grp&section=8-203).

Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the treble damages calculator to estimate your specific figure.

This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.