Maryland · Renters' rights · Updated Oct 2026
Maryland tenant rights
Security deposits, repairs, landlord entry, notices and evictions in Maryland, in plain English from official sources, with free tools to get your deposit back and ask for repairs.
Guides for Maryland renters
Security deposit
Limit, deadline, deductions, penalty and the calculator.
Repairs
The landlord's duty, repair and deduct, withholding rent and a repair letter.
Eviction
Notice periods, court deadlines, illegal lockouts and a timeline tool.
Security deposit in Maryland
- Limit
- one month's rent per unit (up to two months only if you qualify for state utility assistance, the lease has you pay utilities to the landlord, and you agree in writing). You may choose a surety bond instead; bond plus deposit may not exceed two months' rent.
- Deadline to return it
- Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit plus interest, minus proper deductions, by first-class mail to your last known address. If you were evicted for breaking the lease or abandoned the home early, you must ask for the deposit in writing by first-class mail within 45 days (with your new address); the landlord then has 45 days from receiving your request.
- Itemized list
- Yes. Within 45 days, by first-class mail, a written list of damages with an itemized statement of costs and supporting documents (invoices, or an estimate). If the landlord used an estimate, it must send the final invoice when repairs are done and refund any amount over the actual cost within 30 days. If the landlord does not send the list, it loses the right to withhold anything for damages.
- What may be deducted
- Unpaid rent, damage from breaking the lease, and damage by you, your family or guests beyond ordinary wear and tear to the unit, common areas, major appliances and the landlord's furnishings. You have the right to be present at the move-out inspection if you send the landlord a certified-mail notice at least 15 days before moving with your move date and new address; if the landlord ignores this, it loses the right to withhold for damages.
- Interest
- Yes, on deposits of $50 or more held at least 6 months: simple interest at the 1-year U.S. Treasury yield curve rate on the first business day of each year, or 1.5% a year, whichever is greater, accruing monthly. DHCD publishes the rates and a calculator.
- Separate account
- Yes. Deposits must go within 30 days into an interest-bearing account used only for deposits at a federally insured bank branch in Maryland (or insured CDs or government securities).
- Move-in checklist
- On request. You can ask by certified mail within 15 days of moving in for an inspection with you present to list existing damage. The deposit receipt must explain your rights; a landlord who gives no written receipt owes you $25.
- If the landlord keeps it wrongly
- If the landlord, without a reasonable basis, fails to return any part of the deposit plus interest within 45 days, you can sue for up to three times the amount withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees. Charging more than the deposit limit also allows recovery of up to three times the excess plus attorney's fees (you can sue during the tenancy or up to 2 years after).
How to get your deposit back
- Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
- Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Maryland: Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit plus interest, minus proper deductions, by first-class mail to your last known address.
- Wait for the deadline: Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit plus interest, minus proper deductions, by first-class mail to your last known address.
- If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
- If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $5,000. Small claims court in Maryland on Small Claims Map
Repairs in Maryland
- The landlord's duty
- The landlord must repair conditions that are a fire hazard or a serious threat to life, health or safety, such as no heat, light, electricity, hot or cold water; inadequate sewage; rodents in two or more units; dangerous structural defects; or other health or fire hazards (Real Prop. §8-211). Local housing codes add duties. Since October 1, 2026, some apartment buildings with 10 or more units (new buildings, units where air conditioning was provided or required by the lease after January 1, 2025, and some renovated units) must have air conditioning able to keep the unit at 80 degrees or cooler from June 1 to September 30 (per DHCD).
- How to ask for repairs
- Send the landlord a written list of the defects by certified mail and keep proof. Allow a reasonable time (more than 30 days is presumed unreasonable; less for urgent problems).
- Repair and deduct
- no statute
- Withholding rent
- Allowed through rent escrow. After written notice by certified mail (or actual notice, or a government violation notice), the landlord has a reasonable time to fix serious defects; more than 30 days is presumed unreasonable. Then you can file a rent escrow case and pay rent into court, or stop paying and raise the defects as a defense if sued for rent. You must pay the rent into court when ordered. The court can reduce rent, order repairs, or end the lease. Not available if you have 3 or more judgments for unpaid rent in the past 12 months (monthly tenancy) or you caused the problem (§8-211).
- Law
- Md. Code, Real Prop. §8-211
Landlord entry in Maryland
no statute statewide; check your lease and local law (some counties have their own rules).
Eviction in Maryland
- Notice for unpaid rent
- Before filing for unpaid rent, the landlord must give you a written notice of intent to file, on the form made by the Maryland Judiciary, giving you 10 days to pay. It may be sent by first-class mail with a certificate of mailing, posted on your door, or sent electronically if you agreed (Real Prop. §8-401(c)). After a judgment, you generally can still keep your home by paying everything owed before the eviction is carried out (right of redemption), unless the court entered 3 judgments against you for unpaid rent in the 12 months before this case (Real Prop. §8-401(h)).
- Notice for a lease violation
- 30 days' written notice for a lease violation; 14 days if the behavior shows a clear and imminent danger of serious harm. The court must find the breach substantial and warranting eviction (§8-402.1).
- Ending a month-to-month tenancy
- Landlord: written notice 60 days before the end of a month-to-month tenancy or a lease longer than a week; 90 days for year-to-year. Tenant: at least 30 days (§8-402(c)). Week-to-week: 7 days with a written lease, 21 days without.
- Time to respond to an eviction lawsuit
- In a failure-to-pay-rent case, the summons sets trial for the fifth day after the complaint is filed (§8-401(b)(4)); you do not have to file a written answer, but you must appear at trial. Either side can appeal a holdover or breach judgment within 10 days.
- Lockouts and utility shutoffs
- Yes. A landlord may take possession only with a warrant of restitution executed by a sheriff or constable, or if you abandoned or surrendered the unit. Lockouts, threats to lock out, and willfully cutting heat, water, hot water, electricity or gas to force you out are illegal; you can recover actual damages plus attorney's fees and costs (§8-216).
- Court self-help
- The court's eviction self-help page
- Law
- Md. Code, Real Prop. §§8-216, 8-401, 8-402, 8-402.1
Rent increases and rent control in Maryland
- Notice of a rent increase
- Written notice before any rent increase, by first-class mail with certificate of mailing (or electronically if you chose that): at least 90 days for leases longer than a month, 60 days for month-to-month (longer than a week up to a month), 7 days (written lease) or 21 days (no written lease) for week-to-week (Real Prop. §8-209). Local laws can require more.
- Rent control
- No statewide rent control. Montgomery County and the City of Takoma Park have local rent stabilization, and other counties (for example Prince George's) have adopted or debated local limits; check your county's housing office.
Late fees in Maryland
A lease may not charge a late fee over 5% of the rent due for that period; for weekly rent, no more than $3 a week or $12 a month (Real Prop. §8-208). No statutory grace period.
Retaliation in Maryland
The landlord may not file or threaten eviction, arbitrarily raise rent, cut services, or end a periodic tenancy because you made a good-faith complaint to the landlord or a public agency, sued or testified against the landlord, joined a tenants' organization, or called police or emergency services. Protection covers actions within 6 months of your protected act, and you must be current on rent (unless lawfully in rent escrow). Remedy: up to 3 months' rent, attorney's fees and costs (§8-208.1).
Small claims court in Maryland
Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer.
Limit: $5,000.
Where to get free help in Maryland
Good to know in Maryland
- Every residential lease must come with the state's Tenants' Bill of Rights, updated each year by DHCD (2027 version published October 2026).
- Landlords offering 5 or more units must use a written lease (§8-208).
- Since October 1, 2026, the Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act limits use of criminal history in tenant screening, and landlords may not refuse tenants with income-based housing subsidies based on income or credit score (per DHCD).
Recent law changes
Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024 (effective October 1, 2024): deposit cap cut from 2 months to 1 month, Tenants' Bill of Rights required with leases, Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs created (opened spring 2025), eviction filing surcharge. Laws effective October 1, 2026 (per DHCD): Fair Chance Housing Act (SB937/HB752), income-based subsidy discrimination ban and positive rent reporting (SB335/HB315), air-conditioning requirement for some 10+ unit buildings (SB12/HB664). Rent increase notice rules in §8-209 are current law; I did not confirm their enactment year.
Free tools for Maryland renters
Pre-set for Maryland. They run in your browser and send nothing.
Deposit return calculator for Maryland
Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Security deposit demand letter for Maryland
A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.
Repair request letter for Maryland
Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.
Eviction notice timeline for Maryland
Got a notice from your landlord? Enter the kind of notice and the day you got it to see the dates that follow from your state's rule, what your landlord may not do, and where to get free help fast.
This is not legal advice. Eviction deadlines are short and missing one can cost you your home. Read your notice carefully and contact legal aid or your court's self-help center right away.
Questions about renters' rights in Maryland
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maryland?
one month's rent per unit (up to two months only if you qualify for state utility assistance, the lease has you pay utilities to the landlord, and you agree in writing). You may choose a surety bond instead; bond plus deposit may not exceed two months' rent.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maryland?
Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit plus interest, minus proper deductions, by first-class mail to your last known address. If you were evicted for breaking the lease or abandoned the home early, you must ask for the deposit in writing by first-class mail within 45 days (with your new address); the landlord then has 45 days from receiving your request.
What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Maryland?
If the landlord, without a reasonable basis, fails to return any part of the deposit plus interest within 45 days, you can sue for up to three times the amount withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees. Charging more than the deposit limit also allows recovery of up to three times the excess plus attorney's fees (you can sue during the tenancy or up to 2 years after).
What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Maryland?
Unpaid rent, damage from breaking the lease, and damage by you, your family or guests beyond ordinary wear and tear to the unit, common areas, major appliances and the landlord's furnishings. You have the right to be present at the move-out inspection if you send the landlord a certified-mail notice at least 15 days before moving with your move date and new address; if the landlord ignores this, it loses the right to withhold for damages.
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Maryland?
Yes, on deposits of $50 or more held at least 6 months: simple interest at the 1-year U.S. Treasury yield curve rate on the first business day of each year, or 1.5% a year, whichever is greater, accruing monthly. DHCD publishes the rates and a calculator.
How do I ask my landlord for repairs in Maryland?
Send the landlord a written list of the defects by certified mail and keep proof. Allow a reasonable time (more than 30 days is presumed unreasonable; less for urgent problems).
Can I repair and deduct the cost from rent in Maryland?
no statute
Can I withhold rent for repairs in Maryland?
Allowed through rent escrow. After written notice by certified mail (or actual notice, or a government violation notice), the landlord has a reasonable time to fix serious defects; more than 30 days is presumed unreasonable. Then you can file a rent escrow case and pay rent into court, or stop paying and raise the defects as a defense if sued for rent. You must pay the rent into court when ordered. The court can reduce rent, order repairs, or end the lease. Not available if you have 3 or more judgments for unpaid rent in the past 12 months (monthly tenancy) or you caused the problem (§8-211).
How much notice does a landlord need to enter in Maryland?
no statute statewide; check your lease and local law (some counties have their own rules).
How much notice does a landlord have to give for unpaid rent in Maryland?
Before filing for unpaid rent, the landlord must give you a written notice of intent to file, on the form made by the Maryland Judiciary, giving you 10 days to pay. It may be sent by first-class mail with a certificate of mailing, posted on your door, or sent electronically if you agreed (Real Prop. §8-401(c)). After a judgment, you generally can still keep your home by paying everything owed before the eviction is carried out (right of redemption), unless the court entered 3 judgments against you for unpaid rent in the 12 months before this case (Real Prop. §8-401(h)).
How much notice for a lease violation in Maryland?
30 days' written notice for a lease violation; 14 days if the behavior shows a clear and imminent danger of serious harm. The court must find the breach substantial and warranting eviction (§8-402.1).
How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month lease in Maryland?
Landlord: written notice 60 days before the end of a month-to-month tenancy or a lease longer than a week; 90 days for year-to-year. Tenant: at least 30 days (§8-402(c)). Week-to-week: 7 days with a written lease, 21 days without.
How long do I have to respond to an eviction lawsuit in Maryland?
In a failure-to-pay-rent case, the summons sets trial for the fifth day after the complaint is filed (§8-401(b)(4)); you do not have to file a written answer, but you must appear at trial. Either side can appeal a holdover or breach judgment within 10 days.
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Maryland?
Yes. A landlord may take possession only with a warrant of restitution executed by a sheriff or constable, or if you abandoned or surrendered the unit. Lockouts, threats to lock out, and willfully cutting heat, water, hot water, electricity or gas to force you out are illegal; you can recover actual damages plus attorney's fees and costs (§8-216).
How much notice is needed for a rent increase in Maryland?
Written notice before any rent increase, by first-class mail with certificate of mailing (or electronically if you chose that): at least 90 days for leases longer than a month, 60 days for month-to-month (longer than a week up to a month), 7 days (written lease) or 21 days (no written lease) for week-to-week (Real Prop. §8-209). Local laws can require more.
Is there rent control in Maryland?
No statewide rent control. Montgomery County and the City of Takoma Park have local rent stabilization, and other counties (for example Prince George's) have adopted or debated local limits; check your county's housing office.
Is there a limit on late fees in Maryland?
A lease may not charge a late fee over 5% of the rent due for that period; for weekly rent, no more than $3 a week or $12 a month (Real Prop. §8-208). No statutory grace period.
Can my landlord retaliate if I complain in Maryland?
The landlord may not file or threaten eviction, arbitrarily raise rent, cut services, or end a periodic tenancy because you made a good-faith complaint to the landlord or a public agency, sued or testified against the landlord, joined a tenants' organization, or called police or emergency services. Protection covers actions within 6 months of your protected act, and you must be current on rent (unless lawfully in rent escrow). Remedy: up to 3 months' rent, attorney's fees and costs (§8-208.1).
What is the small claims limit in Maryland?
$5,000.
- Md. Code, Real Prop. §§8-203, 8-203.1
- Real Prop. §8-211 Rent escrow
- Real Prop. §8-401 Failure to pay rent
- Real Prop. §8-402 Holding over / notice
- Real Prop. §8-209 Rent increase notice
- Real Prop. §8-216 Lockouts
- DHCD press release: 2027 Tenants' Bill of Rights (Oct. 1, 2026)
- Maryland Courts: Housing legal help
Last checked: Oct 2026.