Q: My Landlord is not returning my security deposit even after 45 days since I moved out . Please advice.
I have rented this unit for 1 year and extended it for another year. I have notified the owner of my moving out and an inspection has been performed on 10/24/2018 and I have handed over the keys on the same day. My lease was to end on 10/31/2018. However my landlord promised that the rent will be prorated. Now she is saying that , she said "if she finds any new tenant". And on top of it she is not even returning my security deposit even after several repeated requests. I have all the emails and SMS messages of our communication. Please advice.
A: It doesn't sound like, based on what you say, that the landlord is in compliance with MD law with regard to the retention of your security deposit. Also, if your lease term was to end on 10/31, and you gave enough notice according to the lease of your termination (and it didn't automatically renew for another year before you gave notice), the landlord can't hold you responsible for rent until she finds a new tenant. You should discuss with an attorney practicing in landlord/tenant law. There are potentially punitive damages involved in your case, and possibly the right to recover reasonable attorney fees.
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