If you are being charged after move-out, this is usually the question:
is this actual damage, or just ordinary wear and tear?
That line matters, because ordinary wear and tear is not deductible under Maryland law.
And this is where a lot of deposits start getting chipped away.
General overview: Maryland security deposit law
What Counts as Ordinary Wear and Tear?
Under the Maryland source used on this site, the key rule is simple:
ordinary wear and tear is not deductible.
That is the line Maryland draws.
The practical proof is usually simple: move-in photos if you have them, move-out photos, messages, cleaning receipts, and the landlord's written damages list and itemized costs. Tie the ordinary-wear argument to what the landlord actually claimed.
What Is Considered Deductible Damage?
The Maryland source used on this site allows withholding for:
- unpaid rent
- damage due to breach of lease
- damage caused by the tenant or the tenant's family, agents, employees, guests, or invitees in excess of ordinary wear and tear
That is where deductions may become valid.
See the full breakdown: What Can a Landlord Deduct in MD?
Why This Is Where Disputes Happen
A lot of security deposit issues come from this exact line.
Not major damage, just:
- ordinary wear labeled as "damage"
- vague cleaning or repair charges
- no clear explanation
If you do not push back, those deductions often stick.
How to Protect Yourself
The best protection is simple:
- take photos when you move in
- take photos when you move out
- keep any receipts
- save communication with your landlord
That way, if something gets labeled incorrectly, you can show what the condition actually was.
See: Evidence
Before You Move Out
This is where you set yourself up properly.
Follow: Move-Out Checklist
Good prep makes these disputes much easier to deal with and often avoids them entirely.
If You Are Charged for Ordinary Wear
If something does not look right:
- compare the charge to what is actually allowed
- check your photos and documentation
- look for vague or unsupported deductions
- check whether the written damages list, itemized costs, and 45-day timing were handled correctly
- send a clear written request if needed
Start here: Security Deposit Not Returned MD Then use: Security Deposit Demand Letter
What Usually Moves This Forward
These situations rarely get resolved by arguing back and forth.
They usually move when:
- the issue is clearly explained
- the ordinary-wear-and-tear line is pointed out
- the request is direct and documented
That is often enough to get a response.
TL;DR
If you are being charged after move-out:
- check if it is ordinary wear and tear or actual damage
- do not assume every charge is valid
- use your photos and records
- challenge anything that does not make sense
You can work through this yourself using the steps above.
If you want the letters, timing, and next steps already laid out, especially for situations like this, the Recovery System puts the Maryland response sequence in order so you do not have to figure out how to respond.
See the Maryland Recovery System
Prevention Overview
Start here: How to Avoid Security Deposit Problems in MD