Maryland Demand Letter Generator

Maryland rules for demand letters

Small claims court in Maryland

The general small claims limit in Maryland is $5,000. The Maryland small claims sources we checked do not require a demand before filing, but a written demand is still useful evidence. No pre-suit demand requirement was found in the statutes, complaint form or court guidance. The Judiciary encourages mediation before filing.

The small claims court finder shows the filing fee for your amount, where to file and how to serve; our Maryland small claims guide walks through the whole case.

Security deposits in Maryland

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit with simple interest, less any damages rightfully withheld, and must mail a written list of any damages claimed with an itemized statement of costs within the same 45 days. A landlord who fails to return the deposit without a reasonable basis can face an action for up to three times the withheld amount plus reasonable attorney fees. Different rules apply to a tenant who was evicted or abandoned the premises. Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(e)(1)

If you were evicted or ejected for breaking a lease condition, or left the premises before the tenancy ended, you can demand the deposit by written notice sent to the landlord by first-class mail within 45 days of leaving. The notice must give your new address.

Consumer protection notice in Maryland

The sources we checked show no general written-notice requirement before a consumer lawsuit under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act. No pre-suit demand letter is required. A person may sue to recover for injury or loss caused by a practice the act prohibits.

What a demand letter should say

A demand letter is a short, factual request for payment. It names who owes whom, how much, and why; it sets a date to pay; and it says what you will do next if you are not paid. Keep it to what you could prove to a judge: the agreement, the dates, the amount, and any payments already made.

• Your name and mailing address, the date, and the other side's name and address.
• The amount you are asking for and how you got to it.
• A short account of what was agreed and what went wrong.
• A clear deadline and how to pay.
• Your next step if you are not paid, such as filing in small claims court.

Send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt, and keep a copy for the court file.

What this tool does not do

• It does not send the letter, store it, or put anything you type in the web address. Everything stays in your browser.
• It does not calculate interest, judge whether your claim is strong, or say what a court would award.
• It does not check your statute of limitations. Use the statute of limitations calculator.
• It is general information and a template, not legal advice.