Chances are, if you’re renting in Maryland, you might get that awkward text: "Hey, I need to show the house to a potential buyer." You’re caught in the middle, trying to figure out what you’re supposed to do—do you let your landlord in, or can you just say no? This isn’t just a Maryland thing; it’s a question renters everywhere have. But the answer in Maryland is a bit unique, thanks to its specific laws that try to (sometimes clumsily) balance the rights of both landlord and tenant.
Maryland Rental Laws on Property Showings
Deep diving into Maryland’s rental laws, especially about landlords wanting to show properties, there’s a clear theme: the law wants to protect your right to privacy while still letting landlords handle business. Maryland Code, Real Property, Section 8-203, lays the groundwork. It doesn’t say landlords can barge in whenever they want, but it also doesn’t say you can keep everyone out. Instead, it gives both sides some breathing room.
Here’s how it works. The law in Maryland boils down to two things: “reasonable notice” and “reasonable times.” Your landlord can show the place to potential buyers or new tenants, but only during reasonable hours, and after giving you decent warning. What counts as reasonable? Courts in Maryland lean towards at least 24 hours’ notice, but this isn’t set in stone—your lease agreement could tweak it. I’ve seen leases spell out everything, from two days’ notice to weekends-only showings.
But even if your contract is silent, the law expects landlords to act with common sense. Meaning, 6 a.m. on a Sunday is not reasonable; popping by unannounced because someone "just happened to be in the area" isn’t, either. This rule is about respect—as much for your personal space as the landlord’s timetable.
| Notice Period | Acceptable Hours | Lease Customization? |
|---|---|---|
| At least 24 hours | 9am - 6pm (common practice) | Yes, often specified |
One lesser-known detail? Your landlord cannot abuse the right to access. Bringing strangers in every other day, especially for months, would cross the line. And if your landlord is harassing you with endless showings, state law has your back—you can file a complaint or talk to Maryland’s Office of the Attorney General. No one should feel like they’re living in a public museum.
Some cities in Maryland add their own flavor, too. Baltimore, for example, might have extra tenant protections, so it’s always a good idea to check your city codes—especially if you notice your landlord is getting a bit intrusive. Each county can add its own layer of rules, which keeps things quirky and, frankly, sometimes frustrating to untangle.
Tenant Rights During Showings
You have the right to quiet enjoyment. It’s a fancy way of saying your home life shouldn’t feel like a revolving door. If your landlord wants to show your home, they must give you that “reasonable notice,” typically written, although an email or even a text is often enough—just make sure there’s a record of it. And if you miss three calls and your landlord claims that's "notice," that won’t hold water.
There are a few things landlords absolutely can’t do. They can’t show the house at unreasonable hours—even if they have a willing buyer. Midnight showings? Out of the question. They can’t enter the home without warning unless it’s an actual emergency. Maryland law gives them this emergency-only loophole, but showing off your bathroom tile is not an emergency.
If you feel uncomfortable with strangers walking through while you’re home, you can request to be present for all showings. If your schedule clashes with theirs, you don’t have to make yourself available 24/7. This is where open communication is golden—a quick call or email to hammer out mutual times avoids future headaches. And here’s a pro tip: always document your conversations. A simple “Following up on our earlier chat...” goes a long way if there’s a dispute.
Some tenants worry about valuables. Maryland law doesn’t make your landlord responsible if something goes missing during a showing (unless they’re directly negligent). Smart move? Lock up anything important and make a quick photo inventory before big showings. You’ve got enough to stress about—nobody wants to lose their AirPods or favorite book during a 20-minute house tour.
Leases can sometimes play with the law a bit. If your lease says your landlord can show the property “only with 48 hours’ notice,” that sticks unless it’s wildly unfair. But if a landlord tries to sneak in terms like “tenant waives all notice,” those probably won’t hold up. Maryland law likes common sense over sneaky fine print. The Attorney General’s office actually published guidelines about "unconscionable clauses" in leases—jargon for stuff that really isn’t fair or legal.
What Happens If You Refuse Access?
This is where things can get tricky. If you just keep saying "no," Maryland law considers it a breach of your lease—unless you’ve got a rock-solid reason, like back-to-back showings every day or no notice at all. Most leases have sections saying you can’t unreasonably deny access when it comes to selling or renting out the place. Repeated refusals put you in a tough spot. The most common penalty? The landlord could deduct money from your security deposit, or even file for damages if they lose a sale because they couldn’t show the property.
But don’t panic just yet. If you’re being reasonable—asking for proper notice and respectful times—courts usually back tenants up. Reasonablesness is the magic word. If your landlord shows up with no warning or barges in during dinner every night, you have every right to push back, write down the incidents, and, if needed, file a complaint. Not all landlords know the law as well as they should, and sometimes, they rely on bluffs. Knowing your rights levels the playing field.
There’s another layer: retaliation is illegal in Maryland. If you calmly ask for your rights and, suddenly, your rent shoots up or you get an eviction threat, that’s a serious legal no-no. The law frowns hard on any landlord who punishes a tenant for standing up for their legal protections.
Around Baltimore, there’s been a steady increase in legal cases where tenants felt harassed for refusing access with no notice. An analysis of Maryland court records from 2023 shows that about 42% of rental disputes involved issues of landlord access—making it one of the top complaints after repair delays. So if you’re feeling a little paranoid, you’re not alone. Most renters aren’t trying to cause trouble—they just want a heads up before someone pokes around in their laundry room.
Tips for Smooth Showings and What to Watch Out For
If you’re worried about showings, here’s what works. First, talk it out early. If your landlord says the place is going up for sale or rent, set expectations. Ask for a showing schedule, and try to get everything in writing. Some tenants tell their landlords, “I can do Tuesday after 4 or Saturday mornings,” and the landlord usually works around it. Flexibility helps, but don’t let anyone bulldoze your personal space.
- Keep records of all communication (text, email, written notes)—it’s your safety net if things go south.
- Put valuables away and consider buying a lockbox for really sensitive stuff. Landlords aren’t security guards, and accidents can happen.
- Ask your landlord to attend every showing or, if you prefer, stick around yourself. Most buyers and agents are more respectful when the tenant is present.
- If you have pets, make their safety clear. Cats can dart out, and dogs can get anxious. Maryland law doesn’t say much about pets during showings, so it’s all on you.
- Don’t get bullied by a rushed timeline. You can push back on "I’ll be over in 10 minutes with three buyers" until you get proper notice.
The other big tip? If anything feels off, ask your landlord for proof of who’s touring. It’s fair to know whether it’s a licensed agent or just someone from Craigslist.
One neat fact: Baltimore Housing’s annual tenant survey in 2024 showed that renters who worked out written showing schedules had 30% fewer disputes over property access than those who left things to last-minute texts. Setting expectations early nips so many problems in the bud.
If things go sideways, Maryland has a renters’ hotline and most city housing offices are sympathetic. Document every showing, stay calm, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your rental is your home, and home should come with privacy—until it’s time to move, and then, at least, you won’t be blindsided by strangers knocking on your door at breakfast.
