Maryland Tenant Rights
Maryland's Real Property Code (Md.
Last reviewed:
Key Laws by Topic
Eviction Laws
- Notice Period:
- At least 1 month notice for month-to-month tenancy (2 months in some counties)
- Just Cause Required:
- Yes in Montgomery County and Prince George's County; no statewide requirement
- Cure Or Quit Period:
- 10 days for nonpayment of rent (statewide); varies by county for other violations
- Eviction Process:
- Filed in District Court; tenant has 4 days to respond to summary ejectment
Security Deposit Laws
- Limit:
- 2 months' rent
- Return Deadline:
- 45 days after tenancy ends
- Interest Required:
- Yes — simple interest at 1.5% per year for deposits held 6 months or more
- Itemization Required:
- Yes — written itemized statement required
- Penalty For Wrongful Withholding:
- Landlord liable for up to three times the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney fees
Repair & Habitability Laws
- Repair And Deduct:
- Not codified in Maryland statutes
- Rent Withholding:
- Tenant may deposit rent into court escrow for serious habitability threats
- Habitability Standard:
- Free from conditions creating a substantial and serious threat to life, health, or safety
- Rent Escrow Process:
- Tenant must file action in District Court; landlord can avoid escrow by certifying repairs
Tenant Harassment Laws
- Anti Harassment:
- Anti-retaliation statute; self-help eviction prohibited
- Penalties:
- Tenant may raise retaliation as defense; recover actual damages
- Self Help Prohibited:
- Yes — landlord must use court process to evict
- Local Ordinances:
- Baltimore City has additional anti-harassment ordinances
Notice & Entry Laws
- Notice Required:
- Reasonable notice required (no specific hours defined statewide)
- Emergency Entry:
- Permitted without prior notice in emergency situations
- Common Law Standard:
- 24 hours is the accepted standard in Maryland practice
- Local Variation:
- Some Maryland counties and Baltimore City ordinances specify notice requirements
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