Renting in Maryland
Your rights as a tenant in Maryland
In Maryland, the security deposit can be up to 1 month of rent. What state law says about your deposit, the notices you must get, repairs and eviction. Every rule comes with its citation and the text of the law.
Key numbers in Maryland
- Maximum deposit
- Up to 1 month of rent
- Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-203(b)(1)
- To return your deposit
- 45 days
- Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-203(e)(1)
- Notice for late rent
- 10 days
- Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-401(c)(1)
What the law says
The rules, one by one
The basic rules for renting in Maryland, answered with state law and its citation.
Tap “What the law says” to read the exact text and see where it comes from.
-
How much can they charge for a deposit?
Up to 1 month of rent
A landlord may not charge a security deposit of more than one month's rent per dwelling unit, regardless of the number of tenants. It may reach two months only if you qualified for utility assistance, pay utilities directly to the landlord and both agree in writing.
What the law says · Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-203(b)(1)
“Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a landlord may not impose a security deposit in excess of the equivalent of 1 month's rent per dwelling unit, regardless of the number of tenants.”
Source: Maryland General Assembly (Annotated Code of Maryland, Real Property Article) · Verified on October 23, 2026
-
When must they return my deposit?
45 days
Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit with simple interest (the 1-year Treasury rate or 1.5 percent a year, whichever is greater), less any damages rightfully withheld.
What the law says · Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-203(e)(1)
“Within 45 days after the end of the tenancy, the landlord shall return the security deposit to the tenant together 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, less any damages rightfully withheld.”
Source: Maryland General Assembly (Annotated Code of Maryland, Real Property Article) · Verified on October 23, 2026
-
If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
10 days
Before suing for unpaid rent, the landlord must give you a written notice (on the Judiciary's form) that a case will be filed if you do not cure within 10 days. It may be mailed, posted on your door or, if you chose it, sent by e-mail, text or tenant portal.
What the law says · Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-401(c)(1)
“Before a landlord may file a complaint under this section, the landlord shall provide to the tenant a written notice of the landlord's intent to file a claim in the District Court against the tenant to recover possession of the residential premises if the tenant does not cure within 10 days after the written notice is provided to the tenant.”
Source: Maryland General Assembly (Annotated Code of Maryland, Real Property Article) · Verified on October 23, 2026
-
How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
60 days
A landlord must give you 60 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy or a written lease for a stated term. If you are leaving, your notice to the landlord must be given at least 30 days before the tenancy ends (except year to year).
What the law says · Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-402(c)(2)(i)
“Except as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4) of this subsection, a landlord shall provide written notice of the intent to terminate a tenancy: (i) If the parties have a written lease for a stated term in excess of 1 week or a tenancy from month to month, 60 days before the expiration of the tenancy”
Source: Maryland General Assembly (Annotated Code of Maryland, Real Property Article) · Verified on October 23, 2026
-
Are there limits on late fees?
No lease may set a late-payment penalty of more than 5 percent of the rent due for the period (or $3 per week, at most $12 per month, for weekly rent).
What the law says · Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-208(d)(3)
“A landlord may not use a lease or form of lease containing any provision that: … (3) (i) Provides for a penalty for the late payment of rent in excess of 5% of the amount of unpaid rent due for the rental period for which the payment was delinquent; or (ii) In the case of leases under which the rent is paid in weekly rental installments, provides for a late penalty of more than $3 per week or a total of no more than $12 per month”
Source: Maryland General Assembly (Annotated Code of Maryland, Real Property Article) · Verified on October 23, 2026
-
How much notice before a rent increase?
7, 21, 60, or 90 days, depending on the case
The landlord must tell you in writing before raising your rent: at least 90 days ahead if your tenancy is for more than 1 month; 60 days if it is for more than 1 week up to 1 month; and if it is for 1 week or less, 7 days with a written lease or 21 days without one.
What the law says · Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-209(b)
“(b) (1) A landlord shall notify a tenant in writing before increasing the tenant’s rent. … (3) A landlord shall provide the notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection: (i) For tenancies for a term of more than 1 month, at least 90 days in advance of the rent increase; (ii) For tenancies for a term of more than 1 week, but not more than 1 month, at least 60 days in advance of the rent increase; and (iii) For tenancies for a term of 1 week or less: 1. At least 7 days in advance of the rent increase if the parties have a written lease; or 2. At least 21 days in advance of the rent increase if the parties do not have a written lease.”
Source: Maryland General Assembly – Maryland Code, Real Property Article · Verified on November 6, 2026
Protections
Protections the law gives you
We show only what state law says, with its citation. Your city may give you more protections.
-
Only a court order can remove you
Yes: state law says so
A landlord may not take or threaten to take the home by locking you out or willfully cutting heat, water, electricity or gas. Possession may be taken only under a warrant of restitution executed by the sheriff or if you abandoned the unit.
What the law says · Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-216(b)
“Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a landlord may not take possession or threaten to take possession of a dwelling unit from a tenant or tenant holding over by locking the tenant out or any other action, including willful diminution of services to the tenant. (2) A landlord may take possession of a dwelling unit from a tenant or tenant holding over only: (i) In accordance with a warrant of restitution issued by a court and executed by a sheriff or constable; or (ii) If the tenant has abandoned or surrendered possession of the dwelling unit.”
Maryland General Assembly (Annotated Code of Maryland, Real Property Article)
-
Protection from retaliation
Yes: state law says so
A landlord may not sue to evict you, arbitrarily raise rent or cut services, or end a periodic tenancy because you complained in good faith about a dangerous condition, sued or testified against the landlord, took part in a tenants' organization or called the police or emergency services. It applies if you are current on rent and within 6 months of your action.
What the law says · Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-208.1(a)(1)
“For any reason listed in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a landlord of any residential property may not: (i) Bring or threaten to bring an action for possession against a tenant; (ii) Arbitrarily increase the rent or decrease the services to which a tenant has been entitled; or (iii) Terminate a periodic tenancy.”
Maryland General Assembly (Annotated Code of Maryland, Real Property Article)
Eviction
How an eviction works in Maryland
Step by step, with the time periods the law sets. No landlord can skip the court.
-
Written notice of intent to file; 10 days to cure
at least 10 days
What the law says · Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-401(c)(1)
“Before a landlord may file a complaint under this section, the landlord shall provide to the tenant a written notice of the landlord's intent to file a claim in the District Court against the tenant to recover possession of the residential premises if the tenant does not cure within 10 days after the written notice is provided to the tenant.”
-
Complaint in District Court; trial on the fifth day after filing
up to 5 days
What the law says · Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-401(b)(4)
“The District Court shall issue its summons, directed to any constable or sheriff of the county entitled to serve process, and ordering the constable or sheriff to notify the tenant, assignee, or subtenant by first-class mail: (i) To appear before the District Court at the trial to be held on the fifth day after the filing of the complaint; and (ii) To answer the landlord's complaint to show cause why the demand of the landlord should not be granted.”
-
Paying the rent and fees the court finds due, plus costs, at trial satisfies the complaint
What the law says · Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-401(e)(5)
“However, if the tenant, or someone for the tenant, at the trial, or adjournment of the trial, tenders to the landlord the rent and late fees determined by the court to be due and unpaid, together with the costs of the suit, the complaint against the tenant shall be entered as being satisfied.”
-
Judgment; the order gives 4 days to give up possession
up to 4 days
What the law says · Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-401(e)(3)
“The court, when entering the judgment, shall also order that possession of the premises be given to the landlord, or the landlord's agent or attorney, within 4 days after the trial.”
-
Warrant of restitution after 7 days of noncompliance
at least 7 days
What the law says · Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-401(f)(1)(i)
“if judgment is given in favor of the landlord, and the tenant fails to comply with the requirements of the order within 7 days, the court shall, at any time after the expiration of the 7 days, issue its warrant, directed to any official of the county entitled to serve process, ordering the official to cause the landlord to have again and repossess the property”
Free or low-cost legal help
If you get a notice or a court case, look for help early: the deadlines are short. These are official pages or pages the state courts link to.
Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and the protections state law adds
Maryland law protects access to housing regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, source of income or military status. You have 1 year from the date of the discriminatory act to file a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR). MCCR provides a free interpreter if you ask before your appointment.
Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR)Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a deposit in Maryland?
A landlord may not charge a security deposit of more than one month's rent per dwelling unit, regardless of the number of tenants. It may reach two months only if you qualified for utility assistance, pay utilities directly to the landlord and both agree in writing. (Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-203(b)(1))
When must a deposit be returned in Maryland?
Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit with simple interest (the 1-year Treasury rate or 1.5 percent a year, whichever is greater), less any damages rightfully withheld. (Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-203(e)(1))
What notice is required for late rent in Maryland?
Before suing for unpaid rent, the landlord must give you a written notice (on the Judiciary's form) that a case will be filed if you do not cure within 10 days. It may be mailed, posted on your door or, if you chose it, sent by e-mail, text or tenant portal. (Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-401(c)(1))
How much notice ends a month-to-month rental in Maryland?
A landlord must give you 60 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy or a written lease for a stated term. If you are leaving, your notice to the landlord must be given at least 30 days before the tenancy ends (except year to year). (Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-402(c)(2)(i))
Are there limits on late fees in Maryland?
No lease may set a late-payment penalty of more than 5 percent of the rent due for the period (or $3 per week, at most $12 per month, for weekly rent). (Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-208(d)(3))
How much notice before a rent increase in Maryland?
The landlord must tell you in writing before raising your rent: at least 90 days ahead if your tenancy is for more than 1 month; 60 days if it is for more than 1 week up to 1 month; and if it is for 1 week or less, 7 days with a written lease or 21 days without one. (Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-209(b))
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
Pending
What is left to verify
We have not yet verified these Maryland rules in the law with their citation, so we do not show them. If you need them today, ask for free legal aid.
- Protection related to immigration status Not verified yet
- Repair and deduct from the rent Not verified yet