Maryland Eviction Laws: A Quick, Practical Guide

If you’re renting or renting out a place in Maryland, knowing how eviction works can save you a lot of headaches. The rules are designed to protect both tenants and landlords, but they’re easier to follow when you break them down into simple steps. Below, we cover the core parts of Maryland’s eviction process, what each side can do, and the newest changes that matter in 2024.

How Evictions Start in Maryland

First off, an eviction never begins without a written notice. For most lease violations, the landlord must give a 10‑day notice to fix the problem or move out. If the issue is non‑payment of rent, a 10‑day notice to pay or vacate is required. Some cities, like Baltimore, have stricter limits on rent‑increase notices, so always check local rules.

Once the notice period ends and the tenant hasn’t complied, the landlord files a complaint in the District Court. The court then sets a hearing, usually within 7‑10 days. Both sides can present evidence – rent receipts, lease clauses, or photos of property damage – and the judge decides whether to issue a writ of possession. That writ allows the sheriff to remove the tenant if they still refuse to leave.

Time is of the essence. If a landlord skips the notice or files the case incorrectly, the whole eviction can be tossed out, costing them both time and money. Tenants, on the other hand, should respond to every notice promptly. Ignoring a 10‑day notice rarely helps and can speed up the removal process.

What Landlords Can and Can’t Do

Maryland law specifically bars landlords from certain actions during the eviction timeline. They cannot:

• Change the locks, shut off utilities, or remove tenant belongings before a court order.
• Harass the tenant by entering the unit without proper notice (typically 24‑hour written notice is required).
• Retaliate for a tenant’s legal complaints, like reporting code violations.

What they *can* do includes offering a cash‑for‑keys deal, which is a payment to encourage a voluntary move. This can speed up the process and avoid a courtroom showdown. Landlords also have the right to show the unit to prospective renters, but only after giving reasonable notice – usually 24 hours – and only at reasonable times.

If you’re a landlord, keeping good records makes everything smoother. Document all notices, rent payments, and communications. When you do need to go to court, a tidy file can be the difference between a quick eviction and a drawn‑out legal battle.

Tenants have strong defenses too. If a landlord didn’t follow the notice rules, or if they tried to evict for a reason that’s illegal (like discrimination), the tenant can raise those issues at the hearing. Maryland also offers a “right to cure” in many cases – the tenant can fix the violation within the notice period and stop the eviction.

To stay updated, watch for any changes announced by the Maryland Department of Housing. The 2024 updates tightened rent‑increase caps in certain counties and clarified what counts as “reasonable” notice for property showings. Those tweaks affect both new leases and existing agreements, so reviewing your contract each year is a smart move.Bottom line: Evictions in Maryland are a step‑by‑step legal process. Landlords must issue proper notices, file the right paperwork, and respect tenant rights. Tenants should respond quickly, keep payment records, and know their defenses. Understanding these basics helps both sides avoid costly court fights and move forward with confidence.