Maryland Rental Laws: What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know

When you rent a home in Maryland, a U.S. state with specific tenant-landlord regulations that balance rights and responsibilities. Also known as Maryland rental regulations, these rules cover everything from security deposits to how and when a landlord can enter your unit. Unlike some states, Maryland doesn’t let landlords set arbitrary rules—they must follow state law, even if the lease says otherwise. This isn’t just paperwork—it’s your protection.

One of the most common issues? Security deposits, the money landlords collect upfront to cover damages, with strict limits and return timelines in Maryland. Landlords can’t charge more than two months’ rent, and they must return it within 45 days after you move out, with a written itemized list of any deductions. If they don’t? You can sue for up to three times the amount wrongfully kept. That’s not a threat—it’s the law. And if you’re a landlord, skipping this step can cost you far more than the deposit itself.

Eviction process, the legal steps a landlord must follow to remove a tenant in Maryland, including notice requirements and court filings. You can’t just kick someone out. You need a court order. Even if rent is late, you must give a 14-day notice to quit before filing. And if you’re a tenant facing eviction, you have the right to appear in court, even if you missed a payment. Maryland also protects renters from retaliation—like raising rent or cutting services—after you complain about unsafe conditions.

Then there’s rental agreements, the written contracts that outline terms like rent amount, lease duration, and rules about pets or subletting. Maryland doesn’t require leases to be written, but if they are, they must include certain disclosures—like lead paint hazards in homes built before 1978. Oral agreements are valid, but they’re harder to prove. Always get it in writing.

What about repairs? If your heater breaks in winter or the roof leaks, your landlord has to fix it within a reasonable time. You can’t withhold rent on your own—but you can pay for the repair and deduct it from rent, if you follow the exact legal steps. And if you’re moving out, you’re only responsible for damage beyond normal wear and tear. That scuff on the wall? Not your problem. A broken window? That’s different.

Maryland also has local variations. Baltimore County, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County have their own rental registration and inspection rules. So if you’re renting in one of these areas, you’re dealing with two layers of law: state and local. Don’t assume one rule applies everywhere.

This isn’t about legal jargon. It’s about knowing what you’re entitled to—whether you’re paying rent or collecting it. The posts below give you real examples: what happens when a deposit isn’t returned on time, how to handle a late rent notice, and what you can legally do if your landlord won’t fix the mold. No fluff. Just what works in Maryland’s system.