General info, not legal advice. Details

Maryland landlord-tenant law FAQ

Last reviewed 2026-10-16

40 answers to common Maryland landlord questions. Every answer is a verified fact with its official source and last-checked date.

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maryland?

For leases signed on or after Oct 1, 2024: no more than one month's rent, with limited exceptions (e.g., up to two months for certain utility-assistance tenants).

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203 (DHCD FAQ) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full security deposit limit page

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maryland?

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends: a written list of charges with supporting documents, plus the rest of the deposit with interest.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-203, 8-203.1 (DHCD Tenant Bill of Rights) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full deposit return deadline page

How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering a rental in Maryland?

At least 24 hours' written notice for inspections or repairs. Entry only Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m., except in emergencies (local rules may add more).

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. (DHCD Tenant Bill of Rights) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full notice to enter page

How much notice does a landlord need to give to raise the rent in Maryland?

The Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights (effective Oct. 1, 2026) says rent may be raised only at lease renewal. In most cases the landlord must give 90 days' written notice, unless the notice comes with a notice of intent to terminate. Electronic notice is allowed only if the tenant agreed to it.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-205, 8-205.1, 8-208, 8-209 (per DHCD Tenants' Bill of Rights) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full rent increase notice page

Can a landlord charge a late fee in Maryland, and how much?

A lease may not provide for a late penalty over 5% of the rent due for that period (weekly leases: no more than $3 per week or $12 per month).

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(3) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full late fees page

What notice does a landlord have to give before evicting for unpaid rent in Maryland?

Before filing, the landlord must give a written notice of intent to file (on the Maryland Judiciary form) giving the tenant 10 days to cure.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-401(c) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full eviction notice (nonpayment) page

Can cities in Maryland pass rent control?

The Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights says some local jurisdictions may limit rent increases, but no statewide law limits increases at renewal.

Verified Source: DHCD, Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full rent control / state preemption page

How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month tenancy in Maryland?

A landlord must give written notice 60 days before the end of a month-to-month tenancy, or a written lease term longer than one week. A tenant giving notice must do so at least 30 days before the tenancy ends. Local laws or the lease may differ in listed cases.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402(c)(2)–(3) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full ending a month-to-month tenancy page

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Maryland?

Deposits must be held in an interest-bearing Maryland account at a federally insured institution used only for deposits, within 30 days. At return (within 45 days), the deposit includes simple interest at the 1-year Treasury yield-curve rate or 1.5% a year, whichever is greater. No interest is owed if the deposit was held less than 6 months.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(d)–(e) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full interest on deposits page

Is a move-in or move-out inspection checklist required in Maryland?

On request by certified mail within 15 days of moving in, the tenant can have the landlord inspect the unit with the tenant present and make a written list of existing damage. The deposit receipt must explain this right and the right to attend the move-out inspection.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203.1(a) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full move-in/move-out checklist page

Is landlord retaliation illegal in Maryland?

A landlord may not bring or threaten eviction, arbitrarily raise rent or cut services, or end a periodic tenancy because the tenant made a good-faith complaint to the landlord or an agency, sued or testified, joined a tenants' organization, or called police or emergency services. Tenants may raise retaliation as a defense or claim damages.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208.1 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full retaliation protections page

Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in Maryland?

A landlord may not take or threaten to take possession by lockout, willfully cutting services or similar action. Possession is allowed only under a court warrant executed by a sheriff or constable, or after abandonment or surrender. Tenants may recover actual damages and attorney's fees.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-216 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full lockouts and utility shutoffs page

What can a tenant do if the landlord won't make repairs in Maryland?

For serious defects such as no heat, electricity or water, fire hazards, or serious threats to health or safety, a tenant who gives notice may pay rent into escrow with the court until repairs are made. Minor and aesthetic defects are excluded.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-211 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full repairs and habitability remedies page

What disclosures must a landlord give tenants in Maryland?

Landlords offering 5 or more units must use a written lease. It must state the condition of the premises, each party's obligations for heat, gas, electricity, water and repairs, and include a deposit receipt with the § 8-203.1 notices.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-208(a), (c), 8-203.1 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full required lease disclosures page

What can a landlord do with property a tenant leaves behind in Maryland?

A residential lease may not authorize the landlord to take the leased premises or the tenant's personal property without formal legal process, unless the lease has been terminated by the parties or by operation of law and the tenant has abandoned the property.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(6) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full abandoned property page

Can a tenant break a lease early for domestic violence or military service in Maryland?

A tenant or legal occupant who is a victim of abuse may end future lease liability by giving the required written notice. The tenant then has 30 days to move out and owes rent only until moving out, up to 30 days.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-5A-02 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full early termination (dv/military) page

How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee in Maryland?

If non-deposit fees exceed $25, the landlord must return them (subject to listed exceptions) within 15 days of occupancy or of a decision that no tenancy will occur, or owe twice the fees.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-213(b) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full application fees & screening page

Can a landlord refuse Section 8 or other source of income in Maryland?

Refusing to rent, or discriminating in rental terms, because of source of income is prohibited.

Verified Source: Md. Code, State Gov't § 20-705 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full source of income discrimination page

How does the eviction court process work in Maryland?

For failure to pay rent, the District Court summons notifies the tenant to appear at trial on the fifth day after the complaint is filed.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-401(b)(4) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full eviction court process & timeline page

Does a landlord have to give notice before not renewing a lease in Maryland?

To end a tenancy at the end of a stated term (written lease over 1 week) or a month-to-month tenancy, the landlord must give written notice 60 days before expiration (90 days for year-to-year), subject to listed exceptions.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402(c) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full lease renewal / non-renewal notice page

What happens if a tenant stays after the lease ends in Maryland?

A tenant who unlawfully holds over after the lease ends owes the landlord actual damages, at least the prorated rent for the holdover period. Damages can be sought in the eviction case or a separate suit.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402(a) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full holdover tenants page

Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Maryland?

For serious and dangerous defects, if the landlord doesn't fix them within a reasonable time after notice (more than 30 days is presumed unreasonable), the tenant may pay rent into court or raise the defects as a defense. Cosmetic problems and lack of air conditioning aren't covered.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-211 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full rent withholding / escrow page

What is the deposit bank holding / separate account rule in Maryland?

Landlords must keep security deposits in interest-bearing accounts used only for deposits, at in-state branches of federally insured financial institutions, within 30 days of receiving them. Code text: "The landlord shall maintain all security deposits in federally insured financial institutions."

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8–203(d)(1) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full deposit bank holding / separate account page

What is the eviction notices for other grounds (lease violation, no-fault) rule in Maryland?

To evict before the lease ends for a breach (where the lease allows it), the landlord must first give 30 days' written notice of the violation, or 14 days' notice if the tenant's behavior shows a clear and imminent danger of serious harm. Code text: "The landlord has given the tenant 30 days' written notice that the tenant is in violation of the lease and the landlord desires to repossess the leased premises."

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8–402.1(a)(1) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full eviction notices for other grounds (lease violation, no-fault) page

What is the scra / military lease termination rule in Maryland?

An active servicemember (or spouse) who gets a change of assignment, such as PCS orders, TDY over 90 days, orders into base housing or release from active duty, owes no more than rent then due plus 30 days' rent after giving written notice and proof, plus repair costs for damage. Code text: "Any rent or lawful charges then due and payable plus 30 days’ rent after written notice and proof of the change of assignment is given to the landlord."

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8–212.1 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full scra / military lease termination page

Does a landlord have to provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Maryland?

The landlord must install, repair, maintain and replace required smoke alarms, and must repair or replace one within 5 calendar days after the tenant's written notice that it failed. Code text: "The landlord or property owner is responsible for the installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of smoke alarms required by this subtitle."

Verified Source: Md. Code, Pub. Safety § 9–106 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full smoke & co detectors page

What is the manufactured / mobile home parks rule in Maryland?

A mobile home park owner may evict only for nonpayment of rent or certain listed violations, and must give written notice of the violation, with a specific reason, at least 30 days before the move-out date. Code text: "A park owner may only evict a resident for: (1) Nonpayment of rent; or (2) The following violations."

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8A–1101 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full manufactured / mobile home parks page

What is the domestic violence early termination rule in Maryland?

A tenant may end future liability under the lease if the tenant or a legal occupant is a victim of abuse (as defined in the Family Law domestic violence statute) by giving the required written notice. The tenant then has 30 days to move out and owes rent only until moving out, up to 30 days. Code text: "a tenant may terminate the tenant’s future liability under a residential lease if the tenant or legal occupant is a victim of abuse."

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8–5A–02 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full domestic violence early termination page

What is the right to cure / redeem rule in Maryland?

After a landlord wins a judgment for unpaid rent, the tenant can keep the home by paying all past-due amounts set by the court plus court costs and fees in cash, certified check or money order at any time before the eviction is actually carried out. This right can be lost after repeated judgments. Code text: "the tenant shall have the right to redemption of the leased premises by tendering in cash, certified check, or money order."

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8–401(h) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full right to cure / redeem page

What is the rent receipts, payment methods & cash rule in Maryland?

The landlord must give a receipt when the tenant pays in cash or asks for one, and owes the tenant $25 for failing to do so. Anne Arundel County has its own receipt rule. Code text: "the landlord or landlord’s agent shall give the tenant a receipt if the tenant: (1) Makes payment in cash; or (2) Requests a receipt."

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8–205 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full rent receipts, payment methods & cash page

What is the condo conversion protections rule in Maryland?

Before converting a rental building to condominiums, the owner must give each tenant a written notice. Tenants cannot be required to move out for 180 days after the notice, except for lease breach, nonpayment or their own move-out notice. Code text: "may not be required to vacate the premises prior to the expiration of 180 days from the giving of the notice."

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 11–102.1 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full condo conversion protections page

What rights does a tenant have after foreclosure in Maryland?

After a foreclosure on residential property, the new owner takes title subject to bona fide tenants' rights. That includes at least 90 days' notice to vacate and, for a bona fide lease signed before the transfer, the right to stay until the lease ends, with limited exceptions. Code text: "a notice to vacate to any bona fide tenant at least 90 days before the effective date of the notice."

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 7–105.8 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full foreclosure tenant protections page

Do landlords need a rental license or registration in Maryland?

Owners of "affected property" (older rental housing covered by Maryland's lead poisoning prevention law) must register it with the Maryland Department of the Environment. Code text: "the owner of an affected property shall register the affected property with the Department."

Verified Source: Md. Code, Env. § 6–811 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full rental licensing / registration page

What is the military lease termination (federal scra, all states) rule in Maryland?

Federal law that applies in every state: under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a tenant may end a residential lease after entering military service, or after getting permanent-change-of-station orders or deployment orders of at least 90 days, by delivering written notice and a copy of the orders to the landlord. For a lease with monthly rent, termination takes effect 30 days after the next rent due date following delivery of the notice. Any state-specific rule on this page also applies. Code text: "The lessee on a lease described in subsection (b) may, at the lessee's option, terminate the lease at any time after."

Verified Source: 50 U.S.C. § 3955 (federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full military lease termination (federal scra, all states) page

What is the pet deposits/fees & service/esa animals rule in Maryland?

Landlords must link to the property's pet policy on its website (if any) and include a copy or summary of the pet policy in rental applications. Statute text: "Provide a written copy or summary of the property’s pet policy in any rental application form for a unit in the property" (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-210(c)(1)(ii)).

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-210(c)(1)(ii) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full pet deposits/fees & service/esa animals page

What is the guest & occupancy limits rule in Maryland?

The state landlord-tenant statute (Md. Code, Real Prop. tit. 8 (Landlord and Tenant), §§ 8-101 to 8-710, read in full on 2026-10-16) has no provision on guest stays or occupancy limits. Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. tit. 8 (Landlord and Tenant), §§ 8-101 to 8-710 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full guest & occupancy limits page

Does a landlord need just cause to evict in Maryland?

The state landlord-tenant statute (Md. Code, Real Prop. tit. 8 (Landlord and Tenant), §§ 8-101 to 8-710, read in full on 2026-10-16) has no provision on a general just-cause (good-cause) requirement for ending a tenancy. Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. tit. 8 (Landlord and Tenant), §§ 8-101 to 8-710 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full just-cause eviction page

What is the tenant buyout disclosures rule in Maryland?

The state landlord-tenant statute (Md. Code, Real Prop. tit. 8 (Landlord and Tenant), §§ 8-101 to 8-710, read in full on 2026-10-16) has no provision on tenant buyout agreements or buyout disclosures. Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. tit. 8 (Landlord and Tenant), §§ 8-101 to 8-710 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full tenant buyout disclosures page

What is the property manager licensing rule in Maryland?

In Maryland, leasing real estate or collecting rent for another person for consideration is real estate brokerage, which generally requires a license (§ 17-301(a)). But no license is required for an agent of the owner, or of a licensed broker, who manages or leases that owner's or broker's property (§ 17-301(b)(4)). Statute text: "an agent of a licensed real estate broker or of an owner of real estate while managing or leasing that real estate for the real estate broker or owner" (Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. §§ 17-101(l), 17-301).

Verified Source: Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. §§ 17-101(l), 17-301 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full property manager licensing page

Can a landlord deny a tenant for criminal or credit history in Maryland?

Maryland's Fair Chance Housing Act (Real Prop. Subtitle 2A) applies to landlords that manage or own five or more rental units (not owner-occupied). Before a conditional offer, a covered landlord generally may not ask about criminal history (with listed exceptions such as certain sex offenses, murder, human trafficking, and sex-offender registration). After a conditional offer, the landlord may check records and may consider recent felonies and other listed convictions, and may withdraw only for a substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory interest, with written notice and a chance to seek reassessment. Statute text: "Request or require the prospective tenant to disclose in a housing application whether the prospective tenant has a criminal history or has been accused of or charged with any crimes" (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-2A-05(a); scope § 8-2A-02; post-offer § 8-2A-06).

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-2A-02, 8-2A-05, 8-2A-06 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full criminal & credit history rules page

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