Maryland Move-Out Inspection Checklist

1. 1

   Capture pre-walkthrough timing

   Move-out date, whether the tenant requested an inspection under §8-203.1, and whether a 5-day notice was sent.

2. 2

   Walk through 10 sections

   Interior condition, kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, exterior, utilities, keys, documentation. Mark each item Pass / Fail / N/A with severity (Minor / Moderate / Major) on failures.

3. 3

   Capture the forwarding address

   Critical for the 45-day deposit-return clock under §8-203(e). Get it in writing, or document that the tenant declined to provide one.

4. 4

   Distinguish estimates from invoices

   Estimates support a good-faith damages list under §8-203(g)(1). Only final invoices reset the deposit-return window if you go beyond 45 days.

5. 5

   Email yourself the PDF

   The watermarked PDF includes timestamps, signatures, and a SHA-256 hash. Sign up free to remove the watermark and store with your case files.

Maryland move-out FAQ

What does Maryland law require for a move-out inspection?

Maryland Real Property §8-203.1 gives the tenant a right to be present at the move-out inspection if they make a written request by certified mail at least 15 days before moving out. The landlord must then give the tenant 5 days' written notice of when the inspection will happen.

When does the 45-day deposit return clock start?

Under RP §8-203(g)(2), the clock starts on the later of (a) the date the tenant gives a forwarding address in writing, or (b) the date tenancy ends. For evictions and abandonments, RP §8-203(h) measures from possession rather than tenancy end.

What if the tenant doesn't give a forwarding address?

Without a written forwarding address from the tenant, the 45-day clock under §8-203(g) does not start. Document the absence of a forwarding address on the checklist so you have a paper trail.

Do I have to provide an itemized list of damages?

Yes. RP §8-203(g)(1) requires a written list of damages claimed, the cost actually incurred (or a good-faith estimate), and a statement of the remaining deposit balance with interest. Failure to comply can forfeit the right to withhold the deposit and exposes the landlord to up to 3x damages plus reasonable attorney fees under §8-203(e)(4).

Is this checklist a legal form?

No. It's a documentation tool that helps you capture the information Maryland security-deposit law expects you to have. It's not a substitute for legal advice on a specific deposit dispute.

Does this work outside Maryland?

Use the universal version at /tools/move-out-checklist if your property isn't in Maryland. Statutory deadlines on this page are Maryland-specific.