Maryland Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Maryland lowered its deposit cap to one month’s rent under the Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act — up to two months only in narrow cases tied to utility assistance (Md. Real Prop. § 8-203). Landlords must give 10 days’ written notice before filing for unpaid rent, and deposits earn interest.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Maryland?
A Maryland landlord has 45 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit with interest and an itemized list of any damages.
| Maximum Deposit | One month’s rent (up to two months in limited utility-assistance cases) |
| Return Deadline | 45 days |
| Interest Required | Yes, on deposits of $50 or more |
| Itemized Statement | Required |
| Statute Reference | Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Maryland?
Maryland has no statewide rent cap, but Montgomery County, Takoma Park and some other localities have rent stabilization. Late fees cannot exceed 5% of the monthly rent.
| Late Fee Limit | 5% of monthly rent |
| Rent Control Status | Local option (e.g. Montgomery County, Takoma Park) |
| Statute Reference | Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Maryland
Before filing a failure-to-pay-rent case, a Maryland landlord must give the tenant written notice of intent to file at least 10 days in advance.
| Non-Payment Notice | 10 days’ notice of intent to file |
| Lease Violation Notice | 30 days (14 days for a clear and imminent danger) |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 60 days |
| Statute Reference | Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-401, 8-402, 8-402.1 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Maryland?
Maryland has no statewide statute on entry; the lease governs, and some counties add their own notice rules.
| Notice Required | No statewide period; check the lease and county code |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed |
What Must a Maryland Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure and Maryland lead risk-reduction certificate for pre-1978 units
- Security deposit receipt and statement of tenant rights (Md. Real Prop. § 8-203.1)
- Name and address of the landlord or agent
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Maryland?
Maryland landlords must repair serious defects that threaten life, health or safety; tenants can pay rent into escrow with the court until the repairs are made.
What Maryland landlords must maintain
- • Repair conditions that are a serious threat to life, health or safety
- • Comply with state and local housing codes
What a Maryland tenant can do
- • Rent escrow through the District Court
- • Rent abatement ordered by the court
| Statute Reference | Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-211 |