$5,000Claim Limit
$25–$45Filing Fee
3 yrsSOL Period
30 daysAppeal Window
Maryland Small Claims Rules
| Court Name | District Court — Small Claims |
| Claim Limit | $5,000 ($5,000 for businesses) |
| Filing Fee | ~$25–$45 (varies by claim amount and county) |
| Statute of Limitations | 3 years for most contract disputes |
| Attorneys | ✓ Attorneys allowed Attorneys are allowed |
| Service of Process | Certified mail (by court) or sheriff |
| Appeal Deadline | 30 days from judgment |
| Judgment Valid For | 12 years |
| Online Filing | ✓ Available — File Online → |
| Official Court Website | https://mdcourts.gov/district/selfhelp/smallclaims → |
Maryland Security Deposit & Wage Rules
| Deposit Return Deadline | 45 days |
| Penalty for Violation | Up to 3× the deposit plus attorney fees |
| Wage Claims SOL | 3 years |
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What You Need to Know About Maryland Small Claims
Maryland small claims are handled in the District Court with one of the lowest filing fees in this group (~$25–$45). Online filing is available. Maryland has strong tenant protections — landlords face up to triple damages plus attorney fees for wrongful deposit withholding. The court handles service by certified mail automatically.
Filing Tips for Maryland
1
Maryland offers online filing — start your claim at the District Court's website
2
One of the lowest filing fees nationally — ~$25 for claims under $1,000
3
Triple damages plus attorney fees for deposit violations make Maryland very tenant-friendly
4
The court sends the certified mail for service — you don't need to arrange it yourself
Common Cases in Maryland
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