Maryland Landlord-Tenant Law

Maximum deposit

Landlords may not charge a security deposit of more than one month's rent per unit, except up to two months for a tenant receiving state utility assistance who pays utilities to the landlord by written agreement (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(b)). (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(b), 2024 Md. Laws ch. 124 (HB 693), Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024)

• In effect since October 1, 2024.
• Before October 1, 2024: Up to two months' rent per dwelling unit.

Return deadline

Landlords must return the deposit with interest, less damages rightfully withheld, within 45 days after the tenancy ends (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(e)(1)). (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(e)(1))

Itemized deductions

If any of the deposit is withheld, the landlord must mail a written list of damages with an itemized statement of costs and supporting documentation within 45 days after the tenancy ends (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(g), (j)). (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(g), (j))

Interest on deposits

Landlords must pay simple interest on deposits of $50 or more held at least six months, at the greater of the one-year Treasury yield curve rate or 1.5% a year (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(e)(1)-(3)). (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(e))

Penalty for wrongful withholding

A landlord who unreasonably fails to return the deposit within 45 days may owe up to three times the amount withheld plus attorney's fees, and loses the right to withhold for damages if no itemized list is sent (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(e)(4), (g)(2)). (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(b)(3), (e)(4), (g)(2))

Late-fee limit

A lease may not impose a late fee greater than 5% of the unpaid rent for that period, or for weekly rentals more than $3 a week and $12 a month (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(3)). (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(3))

Grace period

Maryland state law sets no grace period before a late fee may be charged, though Montgomery County requires rent to be more than 10 days late (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208). (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208 (no grace period))

Since Oct. 1, 2025, Maryland landlords must give written notice at least 24 hours before entering, stating the date, approximate time and purpose, and may enter only 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday unless the tenant agrees otherwise or there is an emergency (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-221). (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-221, 2025 Md. Laws ch. 564 (HB 1076), enacted as § 8-220 and codified as § 8-221)

• In effect since October 1, 2025.
• Before October 1, 2025: No statewide entry-notice statute; entry terms were left to the lease and local law (e.g., Montgomery County).

A Maryland landlord must give 60 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy, while a tenant's notice of at least 30 days is enough (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402(c)(2)(i), (c)(3)). (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402(c))

Maryland landlords must give written notice before raising rent: 90 days for leases longer than a month and 60 days for month-to-month tenancies (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-209(b)). (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-209, 2023 Md. Laws ch. 146 (HB 151))

• In effect since October 1, 2023.

Maryland has no statewide rent cap, but Montgomery County limits yearly increases on most rentals built in or before 2003 to CPI-U plus 3% (never more than 6%; 5.2% from July 1, 2026), and other localities may have their own rules (Montgomery County Rent Stabilization letter, Feb. 27, 2026). (Montgomery County Executive, Letter to Owners re Rent Stabilization 2026 Annual Rent Increase Allowance (Feb. 27, 2026))

Every Maryland residential lease must include a habitability statement, each party's duties for heat, gas, electricity, water and repairs, a security-deposit receipt and a copy of the current Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights; the landlord's (or agent's) name, address and phone must be in the lease or posted, and pet policies must be given with rental applications (Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-208(c), 8-210). (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208, Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-210, 40 CFR 745.107)

• Lead-based paint disclosure, lead warning statement and EPA pamphlet (Housing built before 1978 (unless exempt under 40 CFR 745.101)) — 42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 40 CFR Part 745 Subpart F (§ 745.107)
• Statement that the premises will be habitable with reasonable safety (or the agreed condition) (In every lease) — Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(c)(1)
• Landlord's and tenant's specific obligations for heat, gas, electricity, water and repairs (In every lease) — Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(c)(2)
• Security deposit receipt as specified in § 8-203.1 (In the lease) — Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(c)(3)
• Copy of the most current Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights (DHCD Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs) (With the lease) — Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(c)(4)
• Name, address and telephone number of the landlord or the person authorized to accept notice and service of process (In the written lease or on a conspicuous posted sign) — Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-210(a)
• Pet policy (breed/weight limits, fees and deposits, number of pets, vaccination and insurance requirements) (Linked on the property website, and a copy or summary in every rental application form) — Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-210(c)
• Condominium or development rules, declaration and recorded covenants affecting use and occupancy (Montgomery County only, before signing a lease of 125 days or more) — Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-210(b)

Unpaid rent

Before filing a failure-to-pay-rent case, give the tenant written notice on the Maryland Judiciary's form of intent to file unless the tenant pays within 10 days, by first-class mail with certificate of mailing, posting on the door, or (if the tenant elected) electronic delivery (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-401(c)). (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-401(c))

Lease violations

To end a lease early for a breach, the lease must allow repossession for breach and the landlord must give 30 days' written notice of the violation and intent to repossess (14 days when the conduct shows a clear and imminent danger of serious harm), and the court must find the breach substantial (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402.1(a)-(b)). (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402.1)