Maryland Lease Requirements: What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know
When you sign a lease in Maryland, a U.S. state with specific rental laws that protect both tenants and landlords. Also known as Maryland rental laws, these rules govern everything from security deposits to how much notice a landlord must give before entering your home. Unlike some states, Maryland doesn’t let landlords write whatever they want into a lease—there are clear limits set by state law, and ignoring them can cost them money, or even lead to legal trouble.
One of the biggest things people get wrong is the security deposit, a sum of money landlords can collect upfront to cover damages or unpaid rent. Also known as rental bond, it’s capped at two months’ rent in Maryland. And if your landlord holds onto it longer than 45 days after you move out, they owe you interest—and possibly double the amount back as a penalty. That’s not a suggestion. That’s the law. Then there’s the notice period, how much warning a landlord must give before ending a lease or raising rent. For month-to-month rentals, it’s 30 days. For fixed-term leases, they can’t kick you out early unless you break the rules. And if they want to show the place to new tenants, they need at least 24 hours’ notice—and they can’t just show up anytime. Repairs are another big one. If your heater breaks in January, your landlord has to fix it. Maryland law says they must keep the property in a habitable condition. You can’t be left without heat, running water, or a working lock on your door.
What about pets? Can a landlord say no? Yes—but only if they state it clearly in the lease. And if you have a service animal? That’s protected under federal law, no matter what the lease says. Rent increases? They can’t go up during a fixed-term lease. After it expires, they can raise it—but only with proper notice. And if you’re on Section 8? Maryland has rules about how vouchers are handled, and landlords can’t refuse them just because they don’t like the program.
There’s a lot more: late fees can’t exceed 5% of the rent, written leases are required for terms longer than one year, and landlords must provide a copy of the signed lease within 30 days. These aren’t optional. They’re part of what makes Maryland’s rental system fairer than in many other places.
What you’ll find below are real, practical guides that break down exactly how these rules work in practice—from how to handle a landlord who won’t fix the leaky roof, to what to do if your deposit disappears, to whether a handwritten lease even holds up in court. No fluff. No theory. Just what you need to know before you sign, move in, or get into a fight with your landlord.
What You Need to Rent an Apartment in MD: A Simple Guide
Renting an apartment in Maryland doesn't have to be overwhelming. First, understand the requirements like a good credit score, proof of income, and references. Consider the area's cost of living and the terms of the lease. This guide offers practical tips to make the renting process smoother and less stressful.
- April 4 2025
- Archer Hollings
- 0 Comments