Baltimore MD landlord took money from my security deposit to clean up mess I didn't leave
Location: Baltimore Maryland.
Hello. I moved out of an apartment in Baltimore city at the end of July. I left three trash bags in the apartment, tied and left by the door, as I was physically unable to bring them down at the end of my last day in the apartment (I'm chronically ill and struggle with muscle weakness). Otherwise I left the apartment fully clean and I took photos as evidence.
When I got my short security deposit back a few weeks ago I noticed a $250 charge for "trash left in apartment and in front yard". I reached out to the landlords about it and told them I hadn't left anything in the front yard upon leaving. I had them email me a picture of what they were talking about, and they sent back a pic of a metal bed frame, two box springs, and a mattress that were apparently in front of the building at some point. I don't remember seeing them during my last day but I could be mistaken.
In any case, I told them the items weren't mine and sent them photos of the bed setup I had while I lived in the apartment (a futon mattress and wooden platform frame) as well as pics of the apartment as I left it. They're still refusing to refund me most of the $250, saying they sent me a message about the yard mess the day after I moved out (they did not, I just asked for a copy of the supposed message), and that they had mentioned the yard mess during a phone call I had placed to them while I was waiting for my security deposit to be refunded (they did not mention anything specifically in the yard, simply that there was garbage left and I assumed they meant the trash bags I left). They're also saying that the owner and leasing agent are "confident" that the items were mine, even though neither of those people should have been in my apartment at any time during my tenancy.
Their lease also included an illegal clause saying they had the right to enter at any time for any reason without giving notice. When I pointed out this went against Maryland law, they stood by it.
Is there an organization within Baltimore city and/or the state of Maryland I can report this to? Or do I just need to take it to the police?
Thank you.