Landlord Rules in Maryland: Renting Out Property (2026)

Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Maryland · Last updated 2026-05-18

If you are renting out a unit in Maryland, the rules that govern you are Maryland rules. The two most-asked questions on every Maryland landlord page are deposit timing (45 days) and entry timing (at least 24 hours). This guide answers those and the rest of the Maryland-specific obligations in order.

Key Considerations

Renting out residential property in Maryland starts with the registration question. (consult the state code) On the deposit side, 1 month's rent Funds must be returned within the statutory window: 45 days

Eviction in Maryland is a formal court process, not a self-help option. When a tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord may seek eviction and money damages. NEW: Before filing a Failure to Pay Rent case with the District Court, tenant's must be provided with a notice of the Landlord's intent to do so. The notice must tell the tenant how much rent is due and give them 10 days to pay it. After giving proper notice of past due rent, the landlord may file a Failure to Pay Rent form (DC-CV-082). Layered over the whole tenancy is fair-housing compliance. Discrimination complaints are filed via the state agency

Inside the tenancy, two notice rules govern access and exit. Entry to the unit requires advance notice: at least 24 hours Ending a month-to-month tenancy requires a different notice: 60 days

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Residential Lease Agreement Rental Application Form Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist

Relevant Documents

For a Maryland tenancy, the document set runs from the lease (with Maryland disclosures embedded) to the entry-notice template, the deposit-itemization form, and the statutory eviction notice that Maryland law requires before any court filing.

Landlord's Rules and Regulations

A supplementary document to the lease that outlines specific rules for the property, such as quiet hours, guest policies, and maintenance responsibilities.

Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist

A document that records the condition of the rental property before the tenant moves in and after they move out, which helps determine if any damage occurred during the tenancy.

Notice of Entry Form

A document used by landlords to notify tenants of their intent to enter the rental property, typically required by state law with specific advance notice periods.

Rental Application Form

A form used to collect information about potential tenants, including employment history, income, references, and authorization for background and credit checks.

Residential Lease Agreement

A legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement, including rent amount, security deposit, lease duration, and other important provisions.

Security Deposit Receipt

A document acknowledging the landlord's receipt of the security deposit, including the amount, date received, and where the deposit will be held.

Relevant Laws

Maryland Security Deposit Law

Landlords in Maryland cannot collect more than two months' rent as a security deposit. The deposit must be returned within 45 days after the tenant moves out, with an itemized list of any deductions. Interest must be paid on security deposits held for more than 6 months at a rate of 1.5% per year or the U.S. Treasury yield curve rate, whichever is greater.

Maryland Rent Collection and Late Fee Regulations

Landlords in Maryland can charge late fees, but they cannot exceed 5% of the monthly rent. Additionally, rent is not considered late until after the due date specified in the lease has passed.

Maryland Fair Housing Law

Maryland landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. This law expands upon federal Fair Housing protections.

Maryland Lead Paint Risk Reduction Law

Properties built before 1978 in Maryland must comply with the state's lead paint risk reduction standards. Landlords must register these properties with the Maryland Department of the Environment, provide tenants with specific lead-related disclosures, and obtain a Lead Paint Risk Reduction Certificate before each new tenancy.

Maryland Notice Requirements for Lease Termination

For month-to-month tenancies in Maryland, landlords must provide at least one month's notice to terminate the lease. For yearly leases, notice requirements vary based on the specific lease terms, but generally require 30-90 days' notice before the lease end date.

Maryland Eviction Procedures

Landlords in Maryland must follow specific legal procedures for eviction, including providing proper written notice, filing a complaint with the District Court, and obtaining a court order. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, etc.) are illegal and can result in penalties for the landlord.

Maryland Habitability Requirements

Maryland landlords must maintain rental properties in a habitable condition, including functioning plumbing, heating, and electrical systems, and addressing pest infestations. Tenants have the right to request repairs, and in some cases, may withhold rent or terminate the lease if serious habitability issues are not addressed.

Regional Variances

Baltimore City

Baltimore City has stricter rental licensing requirements than most of Maryland. Landlords must obtain a rental license and pass annual inspections. The city also has a 'just cause' eviction law for month-to-month tenancies, requiring landlords to have a valid reason to terminate such tenancies. Additionally, Baltimore has a Rent Increase Protection law that limits rent increases to 4% plus the Consumer Price Index.

Montgomery County

Montgomery County requires landlords to register rental properties and pay an annual fee. The county has rent stabilization laws in certain areas and requires landlords to offer two-year lease terms. It also mandates that landlords provide tenants with a copy of their rights and responsibilities. The county has specific requirements for security deposit handling that are more stringent than state law.

Prince George's County

Prince George's County requires rental licenses for all rental properties. The county has implemented a Rent Stabilization Program during emergencies like COVID-19. Landlords must also provide specific disclosures about lead paint for properties built before 1978, which is more strictly enforced than in other counties.

Howard County

Howard County has a Rental Housing License program requiring annual inspections. The county also has specific regulations regarding carbon monoxide detectors in rental units. Additionally, Howard County has implemented tenant protection measures that require landlords to provide 90 days' notice (instead of the state-required 60 days) before terminating certain tenancies.

Anne Arundel County

Anne Arundel County requires rental licenses for properties with more than four units. The county has specific regulations for short-term rentals like Airbnb, requiring separate licenses and imposing occupancy limits. The county also has stricter code enforcement for rental properties in certain designated revitalization districts.

Suggested Compliance Checklist

Confirm registration or rental-license status at the state and city level

Before listing days after starting

(consult the state code)

Size the security deposit to the rule and confirm the holding-account requirements

Before signing days after starting

1 month's rent

Provide the statutorily required disclosures before the tenant signs

At lease signing days after starting

(consult the state code)

Send written entry notice for every routine visit to the unit

Ongoing days after starting

at least 24 hours

Use the correct termination notice for any month-to-month tenancy

As needed days after starting

60 days

Document: lease-termination-letter

If eviction becomes necessary, follow the statutory notice and filing sequence

At move-out days after starting

When a tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord may seek eviction and money damages. NEW: Before filing a Failure to Pay Rent case with the District Court, tenant's must be provided with a notice of the Landlord's intent to do so. The notice must tell the tenant how much rent is due and give them 10 days to pay it. After giving proper notice of past due rent, the landlord may file a Failure to Pay Rent form (DC-CV-082).

Finalize the deposit accounting and refund on the legal deadline

If eviction needed days after starting

45 days

Apply fair-housing rules across advertising, screening, and tenancy decisions