Maryland Landlord Tenant Laws [2025]

Maryland Landlord Laws

In general, Maryland is considered a moderately tenant-friendly state, with stronger protections for renters than in many parts of the country. While there is no statewide rent control in the state, some counties and cities have their own rent stabilization measures and additional tenant protections. Maryland landlord laws also place specific limits on security deposits, late fees, and certain lease provisions, which landlords must follow to remain compliant.

As a result of this legislation, landlords in Maryland are required to understand and comply with numerous landlord-tenant laws at the federal, state, and local levels. These laws govern everything from lease agreements and property maintenance to eviction procedures and tenant privacy. Understanding Maryland’s landlord-tenant laws is important before creating rental policies.

In this article, we’ll cover the Maryland landlord laws you need to know, including new laws for 2025. Maryland’s rental laws can be found in the Maryland Code Real Property Article and related county ordinances. Keep in mind that local jurisdictions within the state may impose stricter rules than those found in Md. Code Real Prop. Additionally, this article is not exhaustive and should not be considered legal advice. If you have questions about Maryland’s rental laws or are involved in a specific landlord-tenant dispute, seek guidance from an experienced Maryland real estate attorney.

Disclaimer: Innago does not provide legal advice. The content and materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and many not be the most up-to-date information.

NEW! 2025 Maryland Rental Laws

The following rental laws passed in Maryland in recent years:

• Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act (HB 693): Effective October 1, 2024, this law makes several major changes to landlord-tenant relationships in Maryland. Landlords must now provide tenants with a copy of the Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights at lease signing, delay executing eviction warrants for seven days after judgment (and during extreme weather events), and offer certain tenants the Right of First Refusal to purchase their rental before selling it. The law also expands tenant protections, including limits on security deposits, improved eviction procedures, and new oversight through the Office of Tenant & Landlord Affairs.

Maryland Quick Facts

Rights and Responsibilities of Maryland Landlords and Tenants

Maryland landlords and tenants each have rights and responsibilities under the law. For example, landlords must provide safe, habitable housing, and tenants must pay rent on time. In return, landlords have the right to receive fair compensation for the use of their property, and tenants have the right to privacy and timely maintenance of their home. Although the lease agreement is where these rights and responsibilities are primarily defined, lease terms are only enforceable if they comply with Maryland landlord laws.

Below is an overview of the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants in Maryland.

Maryland landlords have the right to:

• Collect rent as specified in the lease agreement
• Hold a security deposit within legal limits, charging no more than one month’s rent as a security deposit, except in certain cases involving utility assistance.
• Deduct funds from the security deposit for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or other lawful charges.
• Screen all tenants, provided the process complies with federal, state, and local fair housing laws.
• Enter the rental unit with proper notice for inspections, repairs, or showings.
• Initiate eviction proceedings if a tenant fails to pay rent, violates lease terms, or engages in illegal activity, following Maryland’s legal eviction process.
• Set and enforce lease terms regarding pets, guests, parking, and other conditions, as long as they comply with Maryland law.

Maryland landlords are responsible for:

• Providing safe, habitable housing that meets all applicable housing codes and health standards.
• Complying with all state and local regulations for housing, health, and safety.
• Addressing maintenance and repair requests within a reasonable timeframe, as emergencies must be handled promptly.
• Following fair housing laws and ensuring rental policies are non-discriminatory.
• Giving reasonable advance notice before entering a rental unit for non-emergency reasons.
• Maintaining common areas such as hallways, parking areas, and shared facilities in a safe condition.
• Returning the security deposit within 45 days after the end of the tenancy, along with an itemized statement of any deductions.
• Following the legal eviction process, ensuring no tenant is removed without a court order.

Maryland tenants have the right to:

• Live in safe, habitable housing with working utilities, functional appliances, and no hazardous conditions.
• Take legal action if the landlord fails to make repairs or maintain the premises, including rent escrow remedies.
• Receive timely maintenance and repairs, with urgent issues addressed promptly.
• Privacy and security in their home, including working locks and protection from excessive landlord entry.
• Receive advance notice before rent increases, lease terminations, evictions, or landlord entry.
• Enjoy quiet enjoyment of the property without excessive disturbances.
• Be protected from retaliatory eviction for reporting unsafe conditions or exercising legal rights.
• Purchase the property they rent before it is sold to a third party, if eligible under Maryland’s Right of First Refusal laws.

Maryland tenants are responsible for:

• Paying rent on time, including any lawful late fees and agreed-upon utility charges.
• Following all lease terms, as long as they comply with state and local laws.
• Keeping the rental unit clean and safe, and disposing of trash properly.
• Reporting maintenance issues promptly, especially urgent problems.
• Handling minor upkeep, such as replacing light bulbs and smoke detector batteries.
• Covering the cost of any damage caused by negligence, whether by the tenant or their guests.
• Providing proper notice if they choose not to renew or to terminate the lease early.
• Allowing lawful entry by the landlord for inspections, repairs, or showings, when proper notice is given.

Maryland Required Disclosures

Required disclosures are pieces information that landlords are required to disclose to prospective tenants before entering into a lease agreement. These disclosures usually discuss things like hazards in the property, tenants' rights, and more information. Listing these disclosures is a part of tenant rights.

Below are a few of the most important required disclosures in Maryland.

• Lead-based paint (Title X, Section 1018). Landlords in all 50 states must include information about lead-based paint hazards in the rental agreements for most properties built before 1978. Sellers and landlords must distribute an EPA-approved information pamphlet called “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” and disclose any known lead hazards in the property. These obligations were established by Section 1018 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992.
• Landlord/Agent Identification (MD Code, Real Property § 8-210). Maryland landlords must provide the name, address, and phone number of the landlord or another person authorized to accept notices on the landlords’ behalf.
• Security Deposit Receipt (MD Code, Real Property § 8-203(c)(1), 8-203.1). Landlords must include a receipt for all security deposits in the written lease agreement. The receipt should notify tenants of their right to be present during the move-in and move-out inspections and to receive a written list of deductions at the termination of the tenancy.
• Shared Utilities (Tenant Protection Act of 2022) If the landlord uses a ratio utility billing system, they must disclose how utilities are allocated between tenants. Lease documents should reference this new law.

Additional Reading: Maryland Residential Lease Agreement

Maryland Rent and Fee Laws

Landlords in Maryland have broad discretion to set rental terms, including the rent amount, due date, and fees, as long as these terms are clearly outlined in the lease and comply with state and local laws. While Maryland does not impose statewide rent control or grace period requirements, it does regulate certain fees and provides specific remedies for tenants facing serious habitability issues. Below is an overview of Maryland’s laws regarding rent payments, fees, and tenant remedies.

Rent Payments

• Due Date: Rent in Maryland is due on the date specified in the lease.
• Rent Increases: There is no statewide rent control in Maryland. However, some localities may have rent control regulations.
• Grace Period: Is there a legal grace period for rent in Maryland? Fortunately for landlords, there is no mandatory grace period in Maryland.

Fees

• Application Fees: Landlords may charge an application fee of $25 or less (MD Code, Real Property § 8-213(b)).
• Late Fees: 5% of monthly rent or less (MD Code, Real Property § 8-208(d)(3)).
• NSF/Bounced Check Fee Maximum: If the tenant’s rent check bounces, the landlord may charge a fee of $35 (MD Code, Criminal Law § 8-107).

Tenant Remedies

• Withholding Rent: If the landlord refuses to repair a condition that presents a serious threat to the life, health, and safety of the occupants, the tenant may send a written notification by certified mail to the landlord about the condition. If the landlord has not repaired the condition within a reasonable amount of time, the tenant may withhold rent or bring an action of rent escrow into court (MD Code, Real Property § 8-211(i)).

Maryland Security Deposit Laws

Most states, including Maryland, have specific laws governing how landlords must handle security deposits. These regulations cover how much a landlord can charge, whether interest must be paid to the tenant, how quickly the deposit must be returned after the lease ends, and under what conditions deductions are allowed. Below is a summary of Maryland's main security deposit rules.

• Deposit Limit: 2 months’ rent (MD Code, Real Property § 8-203(b)(1)).
• Interest: According to Maryland security deposit laws, landlords are required to pay tenants interest on their security deposits and keep them in interest-bearing accounts. The simple interest rate should be either 1.5% per year or the amount accrued at the daily US Treasury yield curve rate for one year, whichever is greater (MD Code, Real Property § 8-203(e)(1)).  No interest is required for deposits less than $50 or held less than six months (MD Code, Real Property § 8-203(e)(2-3)).
• Return Within: 45 days (MD Code, Real Property § 8-203.1(a)(5)).
• Deposit Location: Security deposits must be kept in federally insured financial institutions which do business in the State. They should be kept separate from other funds and deposited in such an account within 30 days after the landlord receives it (MD Code, Real Property § 8-203(d)(1)).
• Withholding: Landlords may withhold funds from the security deposit for unpaid rent and property damage to the unit, common areas, appliances, or furnishings beyond wear and tear (MD Code, Real Property § 8-203(f)(1)(i)).Landlords are also required to provide an itemized list of deductions, together with the remainder of the security deposit, within 45 days of the lease end date (MD Code, Real Property § 8-203(g)(1)).

Maryland Tenant Screening and Fair Housing Protections

What actions are considered housing discrimination?

Just like in every state, tenants in Maryland are protected from housing discrimination under the federal Fair Housing Act (Title 24 USC § 3601-3607). Housing discrimination includes any unfair treatment in the rental process based on protected characteristics. This can occur when:

• Accepting or rejecting rental applications
• Setting rental terms or conditions
• Advertising rental properties
• Conducting tenant screenings
• Providing property maintenance or services
• Charging rent or applying discounts
• Handling lease renewals or evictions
• During the lease period
• etc.

What are the protected classes in Maryland?

In addition to the seven federally protected classes—race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status—Maryland law adds five more protections under the Maryland Fair Housing Law (MD Code, State Government § 20-705):

• Marital status
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Source of income
• Citizenship or immigration status

Violations may result in legal consequences, fines, or other penalties.

Use of Credit Reports

Maryland landlords are subject to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) (15 USC § 1681),  which outlines the responsibilities of landlords to protect tenant credit information. According to the Act, landlords may not share tenant credit information with anyone without a legal reason to view it. They must also investigate disputed information, dispose of credit reports after use in tenant screening, and notify applicants when their credit score or history was the reason for their denial.

Use of Criminal Histories

Criminal background checks may be used during tenant screening in Maryland. However, Montgomery County recently passed a new ordinance that limits the use of criminal record information in rental applications (Bill 35-20). Maryland landlords should follow HUD recommendations for using criminal background checks fairly. This includes avoiding blanket policies for denying applicants with criminal convictions, assessing applicants and their criminal histories on a case-by-case basis, and only denying an applicant when they demonstrate a risk to the safety of other residents or the property.

Additional Reading: Maryland Background Checks & Screening Online

Maryland Landlord Entry Laws

Landlords in Maryland have the right to access their rental property for valid reasons, such as inspections, repairs, or emergencies. However, Maryland law is less specific than other states when it comes to entry rules. While no statute mandates advance notice or designates permitted hours, best practices still encourage landlords to provide reasonable notice and enter at appropriate times to respect tenant privacy. Below is a summary of Maryland’s approach to landlord entry.

• Advanced Notice: There is no state law in Maryland requiring landlords to give advance notice before entering a property.
• Permitted Times: Maryland state law does not designate any time-of-day restrictions for entering.
• Emergency Entry: There are no laws in Maryland regarding emergency entry without notice, but it is generally permitted.

Maryland Eviction Notices

Evictions are complex legal processes often poorly understood by both parties. Before pursuing eviction in Maryland, consider hiring an experienced real estate attorney and be sure to review the Maryland eviction process in more detail.

If you pursue an eviction lawsuit in Maryland, the process begins with serving a formal, written notice to the tenant. Maryland law provides several types of eviction notices, each corresponding to a specific lease violation or circumstance:

• Rent Demand Notice: 10 days to pay or quit (MD Code, Real Property § 8-401(c)).
• Notice for Lease Violation: 30 days to quit (MD Code, Real Property § 8-402.1).
• Unconditional Notice to Quit: 14 days to quit. According to Maryland eviction laws, this notice applies when the tenant engages in dangerous or harmful behavior (MD Code, Real Property § 8-402.1).

Additional Reading: Maryland Eviction Process and Laws [2025]

Maryland Squatter’s Rights

Squatters are individuals who occupy a property without the owner's permission. In Maryland, removing a squatter typically requires going through the formal eviction process, especially if the individual has established residency or has lived on the property for a significant period of time.

Maryland does not permit landlords to use self-help methods like changing the locks or shutting off utilities to remove squatters. These actions are considered illegal and may expose landlords to legal liability if the occupant claims they were wrongfully evicted. Instead, landlords must file an official eviction complaint in district court and follow all legal procedures to regain possession. In some cases, long-term squatters may attempt to claim ownership of a property through adverse possession. However, this is rare and requires strict legal criteria to be met, including continuous, exclusive, and open use of the property for 20 years or more.

Before taking action to remove a squatter in Maryland, consult with a real estate attorney to ensure compliance with state law and avoid potential legal issues.

Additional Reading: Maryland Squatter's Rights & Adverse Possession Laws [2025]

Other Laws and Facts About Maryland

• The current median rent rate in Maryland is $2,000 per month, according to Zillow.
• The current median rent rate in Baltimore is $1,650 per month, according to Zillow.
• Maryland landlords must provide a written lease agreement if they own five or more dwelling units or if the lease is one year or longer.

Conclusion

Maryland offers a balanced approach to landlord and tenant relationships, ensuring protections for renters while allowing landlords the flexibility to manage their properties effectively. Compliance with Maryland's laws on lease agreements, security deposits, and tenant screenings is crucial for landlords to avoid legal issues and maintain harmonious relationships with tenants. As rental regulations can differ across local jurisdictions, staying informed and seeking professional legal advice when necessary will help landlords navigate the complexities of the rental landscape in Maryland. By adhering to these legal requirements, landlords can ensure a fair and secure rental experience for both themselves and their tenants, fostering trust and reliability in Maryland’s rental market.

FAQs

What are the required disclosures for landlords in Maryland?

Landlords must provide information on lead-based paint hazards for properties built before 1978, include landlord/agent identification, and issue a security deposit receipt in the lease agreement. They must also disclose shared utilities if applicable.

Is there statewide rent control in Maryland?

No, Maryland does not have statewide rent control. However, some localities may have their own rent control measures.

What is the maximum late fee a landlord can charge in Maryland?

Landlords in Maryland may charge a late fee of no more than 5% of the monthly rent.

How long can a landlord hold a security deposit in Maryland?

Landlords in Maryland must return the security deposit within 45 days of the lease ending, along with an itemized list of any deductions.

Are tenants protected from housing discrimination in Maryland?

Yes, tenants are protected under both the federal Fair Housing Act and the Maryland Fair Housing Law, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and other characteristics.

What notice is required for landlord entry in Maryland?

There is no state law specifying advance notice for landlord entry, but providing reasonable notice is considered best practice.

What are the grounds for eviction in Maryland?

Evictions can occur for non-payment of rent, lease violations, or illegal activity. Proper notice must be served before proceeding.

Can a tenant withhold rent if the landlord fails to make repairs in Maryland?

Yes, if a condition poses a serious health or safety threat and remains unrepaired, tenants in Maryland may withhold rent or start a rent escrow action.

Free Downloads

1. Maryland Residential Lease Agreement Template
2. Maryland Quitclaim Deed
3. Maryland 10-Day Notice to Quit
4. Maryland 30-Day Notice to Quit Form
5. Maryland Termination Lease Letter Form
6. Maryland Month-to-Month Lease Agreement

Resources

1. Maryland Real Property Code
2. Maryland Eviction Process & Laws [2025]
3. Maryland Courts Filing Fees and Costs
4. Maryland Housing Market Trends & Forecast
5. Real Estate Terms & Definitions