How Long Eviction Takes Baltimore: A Practical Timeline

When you ask how long eviction takes Baltimore, you’re looking for the step‑by‑step schedule from the first notice to the final court order in Maryland’s biggest city. Also known as Baltimore eviction timeline, it helps landlords plan and tenants know their rights. Understanding this timeline is part of Maryland landlord‑tenant law, the state framework that dictates notice requirements, court procedures, and enforcement methods, so you can stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

Key Stages that Shape the Timeline

The first stage is the eviction notice period, the legally required days a landlord must give before filing a case. In Baltimore this is typically 30 days for non‑payment of rent, but it can shrink to 10 days for a breach of lease or other violations. The notice must be delivered in writing and include the amount owed, the deadline to cure, and the consequences of non‑compliance. Once the notice expires, the landlord files a court hearing, a scheduled session where a judge reviews evidence and decides on a judgment. The filing triggers a 7‑day waiting period for the tenant to respond, after which the court sets a hearing date that usually lands within 2‑3 weeks, though busy courts can add extra weeks. At the hearing the judge examines the notice, the lease, and any payment records, then issues an order either granting possession to the landlord or dismissing the case. If the judge rules for eviction, the next step is the issuance of a warranty of eviction, the official notice that gives tenants a final deadline to vacate. This warranty typically gives tenants 5‑10 days to leave the property, after which the sheriff’s office can forcibly remove occupants. Each of these steps links directly to the overall eviction timeline, shaping how long the whole process lasts.

Because the timeline depends on notice length, court scheduling, and the final eviction order, a typical Baltimore case runs between 45 and 90 days from start to finish. Shorter notices, prompt court dates, and swift sheriff service push the timeline toward the lower end, while extended notice periods, court backlogs, and tenant appeals can stretch it toward three months. Knowing these milestones lets landlords avoid costly delays and gives tenants a clear picture of their options, such as negotiating a payment plan, applying for legal aid, or filing a motion to contest the eviction. Below you’ll find articles that break down each phase, explain what documents you need, and show real‑world examples of Baltimore eviction timelines, so you can act with confidence whether you’re a landlord or a tenant.