Rental Law Maryland: Your Quick Guide to Rights and Rules

Whether you’re renting a house in Baltimore or a condo in Annapolis, Maryland has a set of rules that affect every landlord and tenant. Knowing the basics can save you from headaches, extra costs, and legal trouble. Below you’ll find the most common rules and practical tips you can use right now.

Common Rental Rules in Maryland

First up, notice periods. A landlord must give you at least 24 hours written notice before entering the unit, except for emergencies. That means no surprise drop‑ins while you’re home.

When it comes to rent increases, Maryland does not have statewide rent control, but many local jurisdictions set their own limits. In most areas, a landlord can raise rent at the end of a lease term as long as the increase is written into the new lease. They cannot hike the rent in the middle of a fixed‑term lease without your consent.

Security deposits are capped at two months’ rent for a month‑to‑month tenancy and one month’s rent for a one‑year lease. The landlord must return the deposit within 45 days after you move out, minus any lawful deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Eviction is a formal process. The landlord must serve a written notice that gives you time to fix the problem or move out—usually 10 days for non‑payment, 30 days for a lease violation. If you don’t comply, the landlord files a complaint in district court, and a judge decides the outcome.

Breaking a lease early usually costs you the rent due for the remainder of the lease, unless you have a valid reason like military deployment or a serious health issue. Some leases include an early‑termination clause that lets you pay a set fee instead of the full amount.

How to Protect Your Rights

Keep everything in writing. Email copies of notices, repair requests, and rent receipts. If a landlord tries to change the lease verbally, ask for a written amendment you both sign.

Document the condition of the unit when you move in. Take photos or videos of each room and note any existing damage. This makes it easier to dispute unfair security‑deposit deductions later.

Know the local rules. Baltimore City, for example, has specific guidelines about habitability and heat standards. Check your county’s website for any extra protections.

If a landlord refuses to make necessary repairs, you can withhold rent in a limited way or repair the issue yourself and deduct the cost from your rent. This is called the “repair‑and‑deduct” method, but you must follow Maryland’s strict notice requirements first.

When you get an eviction notice, don’t ignore it. Respond promptly, either by paying the overdue rent, fixing the violation, or filing a response in court. Missing a deadline can lead to a default judgment and a forced move.

Finally, if you feel your rights have been violated, contact the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development or a local legal aid office. Many offer free or low‑cost advice for renters.

Understanding Maryland’s rental law doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Keep these key points in mind, stay organized, and you’ll navigate the rental market with confidence.