Maryland Landlord Laws: Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant or Owner

When you rent a home in Maryland, a U.S. state with clear tenant protection statutes that balance landlord rights and renter safety. Also known as Maryland rental law, it ensures you can’t be kicked out without cause, your deposit must be returned on time, and your lease stays valid even if the property changes hands. These rules aren’t just paperwork—they’re your shield against unfair treatment.

One of the most common questions renters have is: Can my landlord sell the house I’m renting? Yes, they can. But under Maryland landlord laws, a set of state regulations governing rental agreements, security deposits, eviction procedures, and property transfer rights, your lease doesn’t disappear. The new owner must honor your terms—rent amount, lease length, and rules—until it expires. If you’re on a month-to-month lease, they still need to give you 30 days’ notice before asking you to leave. And if they try to raise your rent or force you out early, that’s illegal. You don’t have to move just because the house got a new owner.

Then there’s the security deposit, a refundable payment landlords collect to cover damages or unpaid rent, regulated strictly in Maryland to prevent abuse. Landlords can’t charge more than two months’ rent as a deposit. They must put it in a separate account, give you a receipt, and return it within 45 days after you move out—with a written itemized list of any deductions. Miss that deadline? You’re owed double the deposit plus court costs. That’s not a suggestion—it’s the law.

And what about repairs? If your heater breaks in January or the roof leaks, your landlord has to fix it. Maryland doesn’t let landlords ignore serious issues. You can’t withhold rent on your own, but you can file a complaint with the local housing authority or take them to court if they refuse. The state also bans retaliation—no landlord can evict you just because you asked for repairs or complained about unsafe conditions.

These rules apply whether you’re in Baltimore, Annapolis, or a quiet town in Montgomery County. They’re designed to keep things fair, not to confuse you. You don’t need a lawyer to know your rights—just a clear understanding of what Maryland landlord laws actually say.

Below, you’ll find real answers to questions like: What happens if your landlord sells the property? How do you get your deposit back? Can they enter your apartment without notice? And what if they try to charge you for normal wear and tear? These aren’t hypotheticals—they’re situations real renters face every day in Maryland. The posts here give you the facts, the deadlines, the loopholes to watch for, and the steps to take when things go wrong. No fluff. Just what you need to protect yourself and stay in control.