Tenant Rights and Responsibilities When Renting in Maryland

In Maryland, tenants have several key rights including: the right to a habitable dwelling, protection against illegal discrimination, proper handling of security deposits, adequate notice before landlord entry (generally 24 hours except in emergencies), clear lease terms, and protection against retaliatory evictions. Maryland law also provides specific procedures landlords must follow for evictions and requires landlords to maintain essential services like heat, water, and electricity.

In Maryland, landlords cannot charge more than two months' rent for a security deposit. Additionally, for deposits over $50, landlords must place the deposit in an interest-bearing account and pay 1.5% interest annually on the deposit, accrued at six-month intervals from the date of the tenancy. When returning the deposit, landlords must include this interest.

Maryland landlords must return security deposits within 45 days after the tenancy ends. If the landlord withholds any portion of the deposit for damages, they must provide a written itemized list of damages and the costs incurred to repair them. Failure to return the deposit with interest or provide this itemized statement within 45 days may entitle the tenant to up to three times the withheld amount plus reasonable attorney's fees.

In Maryland, there is no statewide rent control (except during declared states of emergency). Landlords can increase rent by any amount when a lease term ends, but must provide proper notice: for month-to-month tenancies, at least one month's written notice is required before increasing rent. For longer leases, the lease terms will specify when and how rent can be increased. Some counties or municipalities may have additional local rent control ordinances.

Maryland landlords must maintain rental properties in a habitable condition, including: maintaining structural elements, providing working plumbing with hot and cold water, ensuring functioning heat, electricity, and air conditioning (if provided), keeping common areas clean and safe, providing proper trash receptacles, and controlling rodent and insect infestations. If these essential services aren't maintained, tenants may have the right to withhold rent, repair and deduct, or terminate the lease after providing proper notice.

In Maryland, landlords must generally provide at least 24 hours' notice before entering a rental unit for non-emergency matters such as repairs, inspections, or showing the property to prospective tenants. The notice should specify a reasonable time frame for entry. In emergency situations (like water leaks or fire), landlords may enter without notice. Some local jurisdictions may have additional requirements regarding notice.

Maryland evictions require court process and cannot be conducted through self-help methods. The process typically involves: (1) proper written notice to the tenant (30 days for lease violations, 14 days for substantial breaches, or 7 days for dangerous behavior); (2) filing a complaint with the District Court if tenant doesn't comply; (3) a court hearing where both parties can present their case; (4) if the landlord prevails, obtaining a warrant of restitution; and (5) eviction conducted by the sheriff with proper notice. Tenants have the right to pay all past-due rent and fees before eviction in failure-to-pay cases.

No. Maryland follows federal Fair Housing laws and has additional state protections. Landlords cannot discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or source of income (in many counties). This applies to advertising, tenant selection, lease terms, and all aspects of the landlord-tenant relationship. Victims of housing discrimination can file complaints with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights or the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

A Maryland residential lease should include: names of all parties, property address and description, lease term, rent amount and payment terms, security deposit amount and terms, utilities responsibilities, maintenance obligations, pet policies, entry notice requirements, lead paint disclosures (for pre-1978 buildings), and any other house rules. Maryland law requires specific language regarding security deposits and certain disclosures about the property's condition. It's advisable to have all terms in writing to avoid future disputes.