Renter Rights & Landlord Laws Guide 2025: Maryland

Disclaimer: This guide provides a general overview of Maryland landlord-tenant laws as of 2025. Laws can change and may vary by municipality. This is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for specific legal issues.

1. Overview: Tenant-Friendly or Landlord-Friendly?

Verdict: Low Landlord Friendliness Score

Maryland is widely considered a tenant-friendly state. The legal framework heavily favors tenant protections, particularly regarding security deposits, eviction procedures, and habitability standards. Landlords face strict compliance requirements and significant financial penalties for missteps.

For Renters: You have robust protections against unfair eviction, improper deposit withholding, and unsafe living conditions.
For Landlords: The burden of proof is often on you. Documentation, strict adherence to notice periods, and legal compliance are non-negotiable to avoid costly delays and lawsuits.

2. Security Deposits: Limits and Return Rules

Maryland has some of the strictest security deposit laws in the country.

Limits

Maximum Amount: No more than one month’s rent.
Exceptions: If the rent is greater than $50/month and the unit is unfurnished, landlords may charge up to 1.5 months’ rent.
Pet Deposits: Generally limited to the same caps. Non-refundable pet fees are restricted; any fee that is not a true "deposit" must be reasonable and not disguised rent.

Return and Accounting

Timeline: Landlords must return the deposit, plus any accrued interest (if applicable), within 45 days of lease termination.
Itemized Statement: If any portion is withheld for damages, the landlord must provide a written, itemized list of deductions along with receipts or estimates.
Failure to Comply: If a landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the itemized statement within 45 days, the tenant may be entitled to three times the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney’s fees.

3. Eviction Rules: The Process

Evictions in Maryland are strictly regulated. A landlord cannot physically remove a tenant without a court order.

The 10-Day Notice (Non-Payment of Rent)

Notice Period: For non-payment of rent, Maryland law requires a written 10-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit.
Process: This notice gives the tenant 10 days to pay the full rent owed or vacate the premises. If the tenant does neither, the landlord may file for a eviction hearing.
Court Hearing: The landlord must file a "Statement of Claim" in the District Court. A hearing is usually scheduled within a few weeks. If the landlord wins, a "Warrant of Restitution" is issued, allowing the sheriff to physically remove the tenant.

Lease Violations

For material lease violations (e.g., unauthorized pets, property damage), landlords must generally provide a 30-Day Notice to Cure or Quit (unless the violation is irreparable, such as illegal activity).

Important Warning

Retaliation is Illegal: Landlords cannot evict, increase rent, or decrease services in retaliation for a tenant filing a complaint with a housing agency or joining a tenant union.

4. Landlord Entry: Notice Required

Right to Enter

Maryland does not have a specific state statute dictating when a landlord may enter a rental unit. However, the lease agreement controls this.

Standard Practice & Implied Law

Notice: Unless there is an emergency (e.g., fire, flood, immediate threat), landlords are expected to provide reasonable notice—typically 24 hours—before entering.
Reasonable Purpose: Entry is generally permitted for repairs, inspections, or showing the unit to prospective tenants or buyers.
Lease is King: If the lease specifies a different notice period (e.g., 48 hours), that clause must be followed. If the lease is silent, the standard of "reasonable notice" applies.

5. Rent Control: Does it Exist?

Statewide: No

Maryland does not have statewide rent control laws. Landlords can generally increase rent at the end of a lease term to any amount, provided it is not discriminatory or retaliatory.

Local Ordinaries (Check Your City!)

While the state allows it, certain municipalities have enacted rent control or stabilization measures. Landlords and renters in major cities must check local laws:

Montgomery County: Has a Rent Stabilization Program. Landlords cannot raise rent more than a set percentage (usually tied to CPI) for applicable units without filing a petition.
Baltimore City: Generally does not have strict rent control, but there are specific registration and licensing requirements for rental properties.

6. Special Warning for Landlords: The "Low Friendliness" Risk

Because Maryland is Tenant-Friendly, the system is designed to protect renters, often at the expense of landlord efficiency.

The Delays are Real: The court system is often backlogged. An eviction for non-payment can take 2 to 4 months (or longer) from the notice date to the physical removal, even if you win.
Strict Procedural Compliance: If you miss a deadline, file the wrong form, or fail to provide the exact required notice (e.g., writing "5 days" instead of "10 days"), the court will likely dismiss your case. You will have to start over, losing time and money.
Security Deposit Penalties: The "3x damages" rule for mishandling deposits is strictly enforced. Do not co-mingle funds; keep deposits in a separate account.
Habitability Defense: Tenants can withhold rent if they prove the unit is uninhabitable. Ensure all repairs are documented and completed promptly.

7. Special Warning for Tenants: Know Your Rights

In a tenant-friendly state, you have leverage—but you must use it correctly.

Withholding Rent is Dangerous: While you can withhold rent for major habitability issues (e.g., no heat in winter), you must follow strict procedures. Do not simply stop paying without legal counsel or documented proof of notifying the landlord and giving them time to repair. Failure to do so can result in a swift eviction judgment for non-payment.
Document Everything: Take photos of the unit condition upon move-in and move-out. Keep copies of all emails, texts, and letters sent to the landlord.
Security Deposit Vigilance: If your landlord misses the 45-day return deadline, you are entitled to significant penalties. Send a formal demand letter first; if ignored, small claims court is a viable option.
Illegal Lockouts: It is illegal for a landlord to change the locks or shut off utilities to force you out. If this happens, call the police (it is a criminal offense) and seek emergency court relief.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws are subject to change and can vary by county or city. Always consult with a qualified attorney or local housing authority for advice specific to your situation.