Maryland Landlord‑Tenant Law 2024: Your Quick Guide

Whether you rent a house in Baltimore or own a duplex in Montgomery County, the 2024 Maryland rental rules affect you. The laws try to balance a landlord’s need to manage property with a tenant’s right to quiet, safe living. Below you’ll find the key points you’ll run into most often, written in plain English so you can act right away.

Key Rights for Tenants

First up, what can you expect as a tenant? Maryland law gives you a few non‑negotiable protections:

• Notice for rent increases. In most of Maryland, a landlord must give at least 30 days’ written notice before raising rent. Baltimore City has its own schedule—often 60 days—so check your local ordinances.
• Right to privacy. Landlords can enter the unit only for emergencies or with reasonable notice, usually 24 hours, and they must have a valid reason (repairs, inspections, or showing the unit to a prospective renter).
• Habitability standards. Your home must meet basic health and safety codes. Leaky roofs, broken heating, or pest infestations are landlord duties, not yours.
• Month‑to‑month options. If you’re on a month‑to‑month lease, either side can end the tenancy with 30‑day notice, unless the lease says otherwise.

These rights are enforced by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. If you think a landlord ignored them, you can file a complaint or take the issue to small claims court.

What Landlords Must Do

Now, the landlord side of the story. Here’s what you need to keep on your checklist to stay legal in 2024:

• Give proper notice for showings. You can show a rental unit to new prospects, but you must provide at least 24‑hour notice and enter at a reasonable time. No surprise visits.
• Follow rent‑increase limits. Outside Baltimore City, a 30‑day notice is the rule. In Baltimore, the city’s rent‑increase ordinance may cap the amount you can raise each year. Check the latest local bulletin.
• Use clear lease language. State the lease term, rent amount, due date, and any fees up front. Ambiguous clauses often lead to disputes and can be thrown out in court.
• Maintain the property. Promptly fix any habitability issues. If you ignore a repair request, tenants can withhold rent or even break the lease legally.
• Handle security deposits right. Return the deposit within 45 days after move‑out, minus any documented deductions. Provide an itemized list of any charges.

Sticking to these steps saves you from costly lawsuits and keeps your rental business running smoothly.

One common question is about “showing rights.” A recent post on our site explained that a Maryland landlord can only show a rented house after giving proper notice and after business hours. If you’re a tenant, you can ask for a specific time window that works for you. If you’re a landlord, a quick text or email confirming the date works, as long as it’s documented.

Another hot topic is rent control. While Maryland overall does not have statewide rent control, Baltimore City imposes its own limits on certain older buildings. Check the city’s housing authority website to see if your building falls under that rule.

Finally, remember that the law changes. The 2024 updates added clearer language around month‑to‑month contracts and tightened notice periods for evictions related to non‑payment. Keep an eye on the Maryland Gazette or sign up for our newsletter to stay ahead of the curve.Bottom line: know your rights, follow the notice rules, and keep communication open. Whether you’re renting or leasing, a little legal awareness goes a long way toward a hassle‑free rental experience.