This is a summary of Maryland Landlord-Tenant laws that apply to residential (non-commercial) rentals. These references were compiled from the Maryland Code, the General Assembly Statutes, and various online sources to serve as a reference for people wanting to learn about Maryland landlord-tenant laws, Maryland eviction laws, and Maryland renters’ rights.
However, this guide is not comprehensive and PayRent does not warrant the accuracy of this information. Statutes can change any time the state legislature passes a new law. Additionally, counties and cities may have different regulations. Given its limitations, this guide is not an adequate substitute for legal advice from a knowledgeable lawyer. If you are dealing with a landlord-tenant issue, you seek guidance from a qualified attorney. If you need help finding an attorney, we’ve included a list of attorney referral services in this guide.
Yes. Security deposits must be returned with simple interest which has accrued at the daily U.S. Treasury yield curve rate for 1 year, as of the first business day of each year, or 1.5% a year, whichever is greater. No interest is payable unless landlord has held the deposit for at least 6 months, or for any period less than a full month. (Md. Code Ann. § 8-203(e))
Yes. Maryland law requires that security deposits be stored in a bank account devoted exclusively to security deposits. It must be deposed in an account within 30 days after landlord receives it. The aggregate amount of the accounts shall be sufficient in amount to equal all security deposits for which the landlord is liable. (Md. Code Ann. § 8-203(d)(1)(i))
No. There is no Maryland law forbidding non-refundable fees or limiting the amount that landlords can charge.
Yes. Landlords can use the deposit to cover unpaid rent, damage due to breach of lease or for damage by the tenant or the tenant’s family, agents, employees, guests, or invitees exceeding ordinary wear and tear to the leased premises, common areas, major appliances, and furnishings owned by the landlord. (Md. Code Ann. § 8-203(f)(1)(i))
Yes. The landlord must send a written list of the damages and a statement of the cost incurred by first-class mail to the tenant’s last known address. (Md. Code Ann. § 8-203(e)(1))
Yes, landlords must give tenant security deposit receipts that comply with the requirements listed in Md. Code Ann. § 8-203.1. The receipt must be included in the rental agreement. (Md. Code Ann. § 8-203(c))
No. There is no Maryland law specifying record-keeping requirements.
The tenant may recover up to three times the withheld amount plus reasonable attorney’s fees. (Md. Code Ann. § 8-203(e)(4))
No. There are no rent control laws in Maryland.
No. There is no Maryland law requiring a certain payment method for rent.
Yes. Landlords can charge a late fee up to 5% of the amount of rent due, up to $3/week for leases where rent is paid weekly or $12/month for leases where rent is paid monthly. (Md. Code Ann. § 8-208(d)(3))
No. There is no Maryland law requiring a grace period before assessing late fees.
Yes. Maryland law allows landlords to charge application fees up to $25. (Md. Code Ann. § 8-213(b))
Yes. Landlords can charge up to $35 for a returned check fee. (Md. Code Ann. § 15-803)
No. There is no Maryland law requiring landlords to provide tenants with notice of rent increases between lease terms. However, landlords cannot raise your rent in the middle of your lease.
No. There is no Maryland law requiring landlords to provide tenants with notice of pesticide use on the rental property.
Landlords must provide 30 days’ notice. (Md. Code Ann. § 8-402(b)(1)(i))
Landlords can terminate the lease with one week’s notice if the parties have a written lease, and 21 days if they do not have a written lease. (Md. Code Ann. § 8-402(c)(2)(iv))
Either the landlord or the tenant can terminate the lease with 60 days’ notice. . (Md. Code Ann. § 8-402(c)(2)(i))
Yes. Tenants have a right to be present at the move-out inspection. (Md. Code Ann. § 8-203(f)(1))
Entry Provisions
There is no Maryland statute on this issue.
There is no Maryland law requiring landlords to give tenants notice of entry.
There is no Maryland statute on this issue.
There is no Maryland statute on this issue.
There is no Maryland law requiring landlords to give tenants notice of entry.
There is no Maryland statute on this issue.
There is no Maryland statute covering this issue.
Before renting pre-1978 property, landlords must disclose all known lead paint hazards. Landlords must also provide tenants, as an attachment to a written lease, with an information pamphlet on lead-based paint hazards. (16 CFR 1303, 42 U.S. Code § 4852d) . If the landlord fails to disclose all known lead paint hazards, the landlord can face fines of up to $19,507 for each violation (24 CFR 30.65).
If a landlord’s failure to comply with the landlord’s legal duties, the tenant may notify the landlord of the issue(s). If the landlord does not remedy the issue within 30 days of receiving notice, the tenant may bring an action of rent escrow to pay rent into court because of the asserted defect. (Md. Code Ann. § 8-211(g)-(i))
If a landlord’s failure to comply with the landlord’s legal duties, the tenant may notify the landlord of the issue(s). If the landlord does not remedy the issue within 30 days of receiving notice, the tenant may refuse to pay rent and raise the existence of the asserted defects or conditions as an affirmative defense to an action for distress for rent or to any complaint proceeding brought by the landlord to recover rent or the possession of the leased premises. (Md. Code Ann. § 8-211(g)-(i))
Maryland law prohibits landlords from bringing or threatening to bring an action for possession, terminating a periodic tenancy, increasing rent, or decreasing services to a tenant who has complained to the landlord or any public agency, participated in any tenant’s organization, or filed a lawsuit against the landlord. (Md. Code Ann. § 8-208.1(a))
No. There is no Maryland law permitting self-help eviction.
Yes. Tenants may be liable for damages caused by holding over. (Md. Code Ann. § 8-402(a))
Under Homestead Act of 1862, individuals (squatters) can possess the property if they have lived there for a specific period of time, done so publicly, made repairs to the property, have deed to the property and have paid rent or taxes on this property.
Maryland has no specific laws recognizing squatters.
The squatter must possess the property for 20 years to be able to claim adverse possession (Md. Code. Ann. § 5-103).
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