Baltimore County Landlord Tenant Laws: Rights, Rules, and What You Need to Know

When you’re renting in Baltimore County, a jurisdiction in Maryland with specific rental regulations that protect both tenants and property owners. Also known as Baltimore County rental laws, it operates under Maryland state law but adds local nuances that can make or break a tenancy. Many people assume landlord-tenant rules are the same everywhere, but that’s not true. In Baltimore County, your lease doesn’t vanish if the property sells — your rights stay locked in. And if your landlord forgets to return your security deposit within 45 days? You’re owed interest, not just your money back.

These rules aren’t just paperwork. They’re real protections. For example, landlords in Baltimore County can’t raise rent mid-lease, even if they sell the building. They also can’t cut off utilities or change locks to force you out — those are illegal evictions under Maryland rental laws, a state-wide framework that governs security deposits, notice periods, and habitability standards. Also known as Maryland landlord tenant code, it gives tenants clear paths to fight back if things go wrong. On the flip side, landlords have rights too. They can screen tenants, collect rent on time, and require repairs to be paid for if damage goes beyond normal wear and tear. But they must give 30 days’ notice before ending a month-to-month lease, and they must return deposits with an itemized list of deductions — no vague claims allowed.

What about repairs? If your heat dies in January or there’s mold in the bathroom, your landlord has 30 days to fix it. If they don’t, you can pay for the repair yourself and deduct the cost from rent — but only after giving written notice and following the right steps. This isn’t a loophole; it’s a legal tool built into the system. And if your landlord tries to kick you out without a court order? That’s a violation of your tenant rights Maryland, the legal protections granted to renters under state and local statutes. Also known as renter protections Maryland, these rights include the right to a safe, habitable home and the right to due process before eviction. You don’t need a lawyer to know your rights — just the right information.

Security deposits are another big one. In Baltimore County, landlords can’t ask for more than two months’ rent as a deposit. And they have to put it in a separate account — no mixing it with their personal funds. If they don’t, you can sue for triple the amount. That’s not a threat — it’s the law. And if they don’t return it within 45 days after you move out, you’re automatically owed interest at 3% per year, plus court costs.

These rules exist because housing is personal. It’s where you sleep, raise kids, and build a life. Whether you’re a tenant trying to stay in your home or a landlord trying to run a fair business, knowing the rules keeps things clear. No guessing. No surprises. Just what’s legally required.

Below, you’ll find real guides written by people who’ve been there — from what to do when your landlord sells the property to how to handle a deposit dispute without hiring a lawyer. These aren’t theory pieces. They’re step-by-step fixes for real problems you might face in Baltimore County.