Landlord Tenant Laws in Maryland (MD)
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Maryland's landlord-tenant laws are governed by Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-101 et seq.. The state receives a tenant-friendliness grade of B (Tenant-Friendly) based on deposit protections, eviction procedures, rent control status, habitability standards, and available tenant remedies. Maryland allows local rent control (Montgomery County and Takoma Park have rent stabilization programs). Tenants can use rent escrow for habitability issues. Deposits accrue interest at 3% per year.
Security Deposit Rules in Maryland
Maryland limits security deposits to 2 months' rent. This cap helps ensure that tenants are not burdened with excessive upfront costs when renting a home. Landlords must return the deposit within 45 days after the tenant vacates, typically with an itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Process in Maryland
In Maryland, a landlord must provide 10 days' written notice before filing for eviction based on nonpayment of rent. This is a moderate notice period that balances the landlord's need for timely payment with the tenant's need for reasonable time to respond. For month-to-month tenancies, 60 days' notice is required to end the tenancy. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Maryland.
Tenant Rights in Maryland
Tenants in Maryland have robust remedies when landlords fail to maintain habitable conditions. Both rent withholding and repair-and-deduct are available, giving tenants meaningful leverage to compel necessary repairs. However, tenants must follow the proper legal procedure — typically providing written notice and allowing the landlord a reasonable time to make repairs — before exercising these remedies.
Rent Control in Maryland
Maryland allows individual cities and municipalities to adopt their own rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. This means tenant protections can vary significantly depending on where you live within the state. Check your local city ordinances for specific rent control provisions.
Landlord Obligations in Maryland
Landlords in Maryland are generally required to:
- Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- Maintain common areas in a clean and safe condition
- Keep electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems in good working order
- Provide and maintain appropriate trash receptacles
- Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water
- Provide Reasonable notice notice before entering the rental unit (except emergencies)
- Return security deposits within 45 days with an itemized statement of deductions
- Follow proper legal procedures for eviction (no self-help evictions)
City-Specific Landlord-Tenant Information in Maryland
Many cities in Maryland have additional local ordinances or practices that affect landlord-tenant relationships. Below are notes for 4 major cities.
Baltimore
Baltimore has a housing code enforcement division and a rent court. Tenants can use rent escrow through district court.
Silver Spring
Part of Montgomery County, which has voluntary rent guidelines and a Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs.
Takoma Park
Takoma Park has one of the strongest local rent stabilization programs in Maryland, covering most rental units.
Annapolis
State capital follows Maryland landlord-tenant law without additional local protections.
Tenant-Friendliness Score Breakdown
Our scoring system evaluates each state across six categories of tenant protection. Maryland scores 69 out of 100, earning a grade of B (Tenant-Friendly).
How Maryland Compares
Below is a comparison of Maryland with five states that have similar tenant-friendliness scores. This can help you understand where Maryland falls on the spectrum of tenant protections nationwide.
| State | Score | Grade | Deposit Limit | Eviction Notice | Rent Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland (MD) | 69 | B | 2 months' rent | 10 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| Maine (ME) | 67 | B | 2 months' rent | 7 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| Massachusetts (MA) | 71 | B | 1 month's rent | 14 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Oregon (OR) | 71 | B | No statutory limit (but must be refundable) | 10 days | Statewide Rent Control |
| Rhode Island (RI) | 67 | B | 1 month's rent | 5 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Hawaii (HI) | 72 | B | 1 month's rent | 5 days | No Rent Control |
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Landlord-Tenant Laws
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maryland?
In Maryland, the security deposit limit is 2 months' rent. The landlord must return the deposit within 45 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
How many days notice before eviction in Maryland?
For nonpayment of rent, Maryland requires 10 days notice before a landlord can file for eviction. For lease termination without cause, 60 days notice is typically required. The actual court process takes additional time.
Can I withhold rent in Maryland if my landlord won't make repairs?
Yes, Maryland allows tenants to withhold rent for habitability issues after providing written notice and allowing reasonable time for repairs.
Does Maryland have rent control?
Maryland allows local municipalities to enact rent control. Check with your city for local rules.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering in Maryland?
Landlords in Maryland must give Reasonable notice notice before entering, except in emergencies.
Relevant Statutes
The landlord-tenant laws of Maryland are primarily found in Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-101 et seq.. These statutes cover security deposits, lease requirements, eviction procedures, landlord obligations, and tenant remedies. For the most current version of the law, consult your state legislature's website or a qualified attorney.
Explore More States
Use our landlord-tenant law lookup tool to quickly find laws for any state, or browse all 50 states compared side-by-side. Remember that local city ordinances may provide additional protections beyond what state law requires.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance on your specific situation.