Confused About Security Deposit Amount on Lease – Which Amount Controls? (Montgomery county Maryland )
Hi everyone,
I’m reviewing a lease for a new apartment and noticed what appears to be conflicting information about the security deposit.
In one section of the lease, the security deposit is listed as a few hundred dollars. However, elsewhere in the lease there is language stating that the landlord acknowledges receipt of a security deposit equal to one month’s rent. My welcome letter also references the higher amount.
A few details:
Rent is a little over $2,000/month
One section of the lease lists a much lower security deposit
Another section references a deposit equal to approximately one month’s rent
I have not paid a full month’s rent as a security deposit
My move-in statement includes prorated rent and fees, but it’s not clear which deposit amount is actually being charged
My questions are:
If a lease contains two different security deposit amounts, which one typically controls?
Is this likely a drafting/template error?
Should I request a corrected lease or written clarification before signing?
Has anyone seen apartment communities accidentally leave conflicting deposit language in standard lease forms?
I’m planning to ask the leasing office, but I’d like to know whether this is a common issue and whether I should be concerned.