Evict Tenants Maryland: What Every Landlord Needs to Know

Facing a tenant who won’t leave can feel like a nightmare, but Maryland has a clear, manageable process. Follow these steps and you’ll avoid costly delays or legal trouble.

1. Know When You Can Evict

Maryland law allows eviction for a few specific reasons: unpaid rent, lease violations, property damage, or the end of a fixed‑term lease. You can’t just kick someone out because you want to raise the rent or sell the house – you need a valid legal ground.

Make sure the reason fits one of the statutory categories. If it’s a lease violation, document the breach (like a pet rule breach or noise complaints) with dates, photos or written warnings.

2. Serve the Right Notice

The first real step is the notice. Maryland uses different notices depending on the cause:

• Non‑payment of rent: 10‑day “Pay or Quit” notice. Give the tenant ten days to pay the owed rent or move out.
• Lease violation: 30‑day “Cure or Quit” notice. The tenant gets 30 days to fix the problem or face eviction.
• No‑cause termination of a month‑to‑month lease: 30‑day notice on the day rent is due.

Hand the notice in person, send it by certified mail, or use a professional process server. Keep a copy for your records – the court will ask for proof.

3. File an Eviction Lawsuit ("Landlord’s Action")

If the tenant stays after the notice period, you must go to the District Court. Bring:

• The original lease
• The notice you served
• Proof of service (mail receipt or affidavit)
• Any evidence of the violation (photos, emails, police reports)

Fill out a “Complaint for Summary Ejectment” form and pay the filing fee (usually around $70). The court will set a hearing date, usually within a few weeks.

4. Court Hearing and Judgment

At the hearing, both sides can speak. The judge will look at your paperwork and the tenant’s defense. If the judge rules in your favor, you’ll get a judgment for possession and possibly back rent.

Don’t try to force the tenant out yourself. Maryland law makes “self‑help” evictions illegal – you could be sued for damages.

5. Getting the Tenant Out (Writ of Possession)

After the judgment, you can request a Writ of Possession. This gives the sheriff’s office the authority to remove the tenant, usually within 10 days.

When the sheriff arrives, they’ll lock the doors and give the tenant a short period to collect belongings. You can then change the locks and take back control of the property.

6. Costs and Tips to Keep Costs Low

Typical costs include filing fees, service fees, and the sheriff’s charge (about $30‑$40). If the tenant owes you rent, you can request a money judgment at the same time.

To save money, make sure your notice is flawless the first time. A typo or missed deadline can reset the whole process.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the notice: The court will dismiss your case if you didn’t give proper notice.

• Using self‑help: Changing locks or cutting off utilities is illegal.

• Ignoring tenant defenses: If a tenant claims they’re being retaliated against, the judge may side with them.

Stay on the right side of the law, and the eviction will go much smoother.

8. When to Seek Legal Help

If the tenant is fighting the eviction aggressively, or if you’re unsure about the notice period, a local attorney can review your documents and represent you at the hearing. A short consultation often prevents a costly mistake later.

Evicting a tenant in Maryland isn’t fun, but it’s doable. Follow the steps, keep good paperwork, and respect the legal timeline. That way you protect your property and stay out of court trouble.