Maryland Tenant Rights Calculator
Your Situation
If you're renting a home in Maryland and your landlord suddenly tells you they're selling the house, you might panic. What happens to your lease? Do you have to move? Can they kick you out just because the property changed hands? The short answer: no, your landlord can sell the house you're renting-but you still have rights.
Your Lease Doesn't Disappear When the House Sells
In Maryland, when a landlord sells a rental property, the new owner steps into the landlord’s shoes. That means your lease stays in effect. If you signed a one-year lease, the new owner must honor it until the end date-even if they planned to live in the house themselves. This isn’t a suggestion. It’s state law.
There’s a common myth that selling a property automatically ends the lease. That’s not true anywhere in the U.S., and Maryland is no exception. The new owner inherits the lease, the rent amount, the security deposit, and all the responsibilities that come with being a landlord. They can’t raise your rent mid-lease, change the rules, or force you out before the lease ends.
What If You’re on a Month-to-Month Lease?
If you don’t have a fixed-term lease and pay rent month to month, the rules are different-but still protective. In Maryland, a landlord (or new owner) must give you at least 30 days’ written notice before ending a month-to-month tenancy. That’s it. No reason needed, but they can’t give you less than 30 days.
Let’s say your landlord sells the house on March 15. The new owner sends you a notice on March 20 saying you must leave by April 20. That’s legal. But if they gave you only 10 days? That’s a violation. You can refuse to leave and file a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office or the District Court.
Notice Requirements for Showing the Property
The new owner will want to show the house to potential buyers. That’s fine-but they can’t just walk in. Maryland law requires landlords to give tenants at least 24 hours’ notice before entering the rental unit, unless it’s an emergency. This applies to showings, repairs, or inspections.
They must also show up during reasonable hours, usually between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. If someone shows up unannounced at 7 a.m. on a Saturday, you have the right to say no. Document it. Take a photo of the person at your door. Write down the date and time. That paper trail matters if you need to file a complaint later.
Your Security Deposit Moves With the Lease
When the property sells, the landlord must transfer your security deposit to the new owner within 45 days. Or, they can return it to you directly before the sale closes. Either way, you should get a written notice that says where your deposit went and how much was transferred.
If the landlord doesn’t do this, you can sue them in small claims court for up to three times the deposit amount, plus court fees. Maryland takes security deposit violations seriously. The new owner is now responsible for returning your deposit when your lease ends, so make sure you get a written record of the transfer.
Can the New Owner Raise the Rent After the Sale?
No-not if you have a fixed-term lease. Rent increases can’t happen until the lease expires. Once your lease ends, the new owner can raise the rent to market rate, but they must give you at least 60 days’ written notice before the new rate kicks in. That’s stricter than the federal minimum of 30 days.
For example, if your lease ends on August 31, and the new owner wants to raise your rent from $1,500 to $1,800, they must send you a notice by July 1. If they send it on July 15? You can legally refuse to pay the higher amount until August 31, and they can’t evict you for it.
What If the New Owner Wants to Live in the House?
Some buyers buy rental properties hoping to move in. That’s allowed-but only after your lease ends. Even then, if you’re on a month-to-month lease, they still need to give you 30 days’ notice. They can’t just say, “I’m moving in next week,” and expect you to leave.
There’s one exception: if the property is a duplex and the new owner plans to live in one unit, they can terminate a month-to-month tenancy with 30 days’ notice. But this only applies to duplexes, not single-family homes or apartments in larger buildings.
What You Should Do When Your Landlord Says They’re Selling
Stay calm. Don’t panic. Here’s what to do right away:
- Find your lease agreement. Read the terms. Note the end date and rent amount.
- Write down the date your landlord told you they were selling. Save emails, texts, or letters.
- Ask for written notice if they plan to show the property. Don’t rely on verbal promises.
- Confirm how your security deposit will be handled. Get it in writing.
- If you get a notice from the new owner, check the date. Is it 30 days or more? Is the rent increase legal?
Keep copies of everything. You might need it in court.
What to Do If the New Owner Breaks the Rules
If the new owner tries to evict you early, cuts off utilities, changes the locks, or harasses you to leave-you have legal options.
In Maryland, illegal eviction is a crime. You can:
- Call 911 if you’re locked out or threatened.
- File a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office: marylandattorneygeneral.gov
- Go to your local District Court and file a petition for wrongful eviction.
- Ask for an emergency hearing if you’re being forced out without notice.
Many tenants don’t know this: you can sue for up to $5,000 in damages if you’re illegally evicted. That includes moving costs, hotel stays, and lost wages if you had to miss work.
Common Myths About Renting in Maryland
Let’s clear up some misinformation:
- Myth: “The new owner can evict me right away.” Truth: No. Lease stays in effect.
- Myth: “They can raise my rent immediately.” Truth: Only after your lease ends-and only with 60 days’ notice.
- Myth: “I have to let them show the house anytime.” Truth: They need 24 hours’ notice and can’t come at odd hours.
- Myth: “My landlord doesn’t have to tell me about the sale.” Truth: They don’t have to tell you before selling, but they must transfer your deposit and notify you of the new owner’s contact info.
Where to Get Help
If you’re unsure about your rights, don’t guess. Free legal help is available:
- Maryland Legal Aid - Offers free advice to low-income renters. Call 1-800-654-4100.
- Maryland Tenants’ Rights Hotline - Operated by the Attorney General. Call 410-576-6300.
- Local Housing Authority - Most counties have tenant advocacy programs.
You don’t need a lawyer to file a complaint. The court forms are free and easy to fill out. You can even do it online through the Maryland Courts website.
Final Reminder
Your home is your home-even if someone else owns the land it sits on. Maryland law is clear: renters aren’t disposable. A sale doesn’t erase your lease. A new owner doesn’t erase your rights. You’re not a guest. You’re a tenant with protections. Know them. Use them. And if someone tries to take them away, you have the power to fight back.
Can my landlord sell my rental house in Maryland without telling me?
Yes, your landlord can sell the property without giving you advance notice. But they must still follow the law: your lease stays in effect, your security deposit must be transferred or returned, and you must be notified of the new owner’s contact information within 45 days of the sale.
Do I have to move if the new owner wants to live in the house?
No, not until your lease ends. If you’re on a fixed-term lease, you can stay until the end date. If you’re on a month-to-month lease, the new owner must give you 30 days’ written notice to leave. They can’t force you out early just because they want to move in.
Can the new owner raise my rent right after buying the house?
No, not if you have a fixed-term lease. Rent increases are only allowed after the lease expires, and the new owner must give you at least 60 days’ written notice before the new rent takes effect. If they try to raise rent during your lease, you can refuse to pay the increase and stay under your original terms.
What happens to my security deposit when the house is sold?
Your landlord must transfer your security deposit to the new owner within 45 days of the sale, or return it to you directly. They must provide you with written notice of which option they chose. If they don’t, you can sue for up to three times the deposit amount plus court costs.
Can the new owner enter my rental unit without notice?
No. Maryland law requires at least 24 hours’ notice before entering for any reason, including showings. Entry must happen during reasonable hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.). If someone shows up unannounced, you can refuse entry and document the incident. Repeated violations can be reported to authorities.
Next Steps for Tenants
If your landlord is selling:
- Review your lease. Know your end date and rent amount.
- Save all communication about the sale.
- Ask for written notice before showings.
- Confirm your deposit is being handled properly.
- Know your rights. Don’t let fear make you give them up.
If the new owner breaks the rules, don’t stay silent. File a complaint. Call Maryland Legal Aid. Go to court. You’re not alone-and the law is on your side.