Cal. Civ. Code § 8-213
Md. Code Ann., Real Property Art. Title 8 — Landlord and Tenant
Operative Text
(a) An application for a lease shall contain a statement which explains: (1) The liabilities which the tenant incurs upon signing the application; and (2) The provisions of subsections (b) and (c) of this section. (b) (1) (i) If a landlord requires from a prospective tenant any fees other than a security deposit as defined by § 8-203(a) of this subtitle, and these fees exceed $25, then the landlord shall return the fees, subject to the exceptions below, or be liable for twice the amount of the fees in damages. (ii) The return shall be made not later than 15 days following the date of occupancy or the written communication, by either party to the other, of a decision that no tenancy shall occur. (2) The landlord may retain only that portion of the fees actually expended for a credit check or other expenses arising out of the application, and shall return that portion of the fees not actually expended on behalf of the tenant making application. (c) This section does not apply to any landlord who offers four or less dwelling units for rent on one parcel of property or at one location, or to seasonal or condominium rentals.
Maryland Real Property § 8-213 governs what landlords must disclose and do with application fees. When a landlord collects fees beyond a security deposit that total more than $25, those fees must generally be returned within 15 days of either the tenancy beginning or either party communicating that no tenancy will occur. A landlord may keep only the portion of fees actually spent on a credit check or other legitimate application expenses, and the rule does not apply to landlords renting four or fewer units on a single parcel, or to seasonal or condominium rentals.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Md. Real Prop. § 8-213, compliant operators who collect application fees exceeding $25 (beyond a security deposit) maintain clear records of any amounts actually spent on credit checks or related application costs, since only those documented expenditures may be retained. The unspent remainder is returned to the applicant within 15 days of move-in or written notice that no tenancy will proceed. Operators also ensure that their application forms include a statement explaining the applicant's liabilities upon signing and the fee-return requirements outlined in § 8-213(b) and (c).
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Maryland Real Property § 8-213 gives prospective tenants the right to have application fees over $25 returned—minus only amounts the landlord actually spent on a credit check or similar costs—within 15 days of occupancy or written notice that the tenancy will not happen. If a landlord fails to make that return, § 8-213 makes the landlord liable for twice the amount of the fees as damages. Tenants who believe this provision has been violated may consider consulting a tenant-rights organization, raising the issue with a local housing authority, or exploring whether the damages provision can be raised in a civil claim.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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