Disputes between residential landlords and tenants are one of our office's most high-volume subjects. Our goal is to foster positive communications and understanding between both parties that leads to a smooth rental experience. The Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division has created this page to help renters and residential property owners understand their respective rights and obligations, as well as the remedies that are available under Maryland law.
It covers a broad range of issues, such as applications, leases, security deposits, rent escrow, lead-based paint hazards, eviction, and where to seek help if problems arise. This page covers state law. This booklet is also available in PDF format; click here.
The next day, she found another apartment she liked better. She asked the first landlord if he would refund her application fee, but he said the fee was nonrefundable.
Did the landlord have the right to keep the fee? If a landlord rents five or more units at one location, the lease application must explain what your obligations and rights are if an application fee is collected. An application fee is any fee other than a security deposit paid to a landlord before a lease is signed. You should never sign a lease until your application has been accepted. Landlords use application fees to cover the costs of processing an application, such as running a credit check.
The excess amount must be returned to you within 15 days after you've moved in or after you or the landlord has given written notification that the rental won't take place.
