Maryland Landlord: Your Rights, Rules, and What You Need to Know

When you're a Maryland landlord, a property owner who rents out residential space under Maryland state law. Also known as a rental property owner, you're not just collecting rent—you're bound by strict rules that protect tenants and define your responsibilities. Unlike some states, Maryland doesn't let landlords make up rules on the fly. Every move you make—from collecting a security deposit to selling a rented home—has legal boundaries.

One of the biggest surprises for new landlords? You can sell a property while someone is renting it. But the tenant doesn’t have to leave. Their lease stays locked in under Maryland rental laws, a set of state regulations governing landlord-tenant relationships. The new owner steps into your shoes. They can’t raise rent mid-lease, kick out the tenant, or change terms unless the lease says otherwise. And if you forget to return a security deposit within 45 days? You could owe the tenant double the amount. That’s not a typo—Maryland takes deposits seriously.

Then there’s the issue of rent increases. You can raise rent after a lease ends—but only with proper written notice. No surprise hikes. No retaliation. No shutting off utilities to force someone out. These aren’t suggestions. They’re laws. And tenants know them. Many will check your compliance before signing anything. That’s why smart landlords keep records: lease copies, payment receipts, repair requests. It’s not just good practice—it’s your defense if a dispute goes to court.

What about repairs? You’re required to keep the property safe and livable. Broken heat in winter? Leaky roof causing mold? Faulty wiring? Those aren’t "nice to fix"—they’re your legal duty. Maryland doesn’t let landlords ignore habitability. And if you do? Tenants can withhold rent or repair it themselves and deduct the cost. It’s not a loophole. It’s the law.

And don’t assume you know what a "normal" deposit is. In Maryland, you can’t charge more than two months’ rent as a security deposit. And you must return it within 45 days after the tenant moves out—with an itemized list of any deductions. No vague phrases like "cleaning fee" or "wear and tear." You need receipts. You need details. If you skip this, you risk losing the entire deposit.

It’s easy to think of being a landlord as a passive income job. But in Maryland, it’s more like running a small business with legal oversight. You’re not just managing property—you’re managing relationships, paperwork, and compliance. The good news? When you get it right, tenants stay longer. Repairs get done faster. Rent comes in on time. And you avoid costly lawsuits.

Below, you’ll find real answers to the questions landlords in Maryland actually ask: Can I sell a rented house? What if my tenant breaks the lease? How do I handle a security deposit dispute? What happens if I don’t return the deposit on time? These aren’t hypotheticals. They’re situations real landlords face every day. And the posts here give you the facts—no fluff, no legalese, just what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law.