Maryland Tenant Harassment Laws
Maryland prohibits landlord retaliation against tenants who report code violations or join tenant organizations, and bars self-help eviction tactics.
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Key Rules
- 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
Applicable Statutes
Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208.1
Retaliatory eviction prohibited: landlord may not evict or otherwise retaliate against a tenant who reports housing code violations or joins a tenant organization.
Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-211(h)
Self-help eviction prohibited: landlord may not use force or self-help measures to remove a tenant from possession.
Legal Aid Resources
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.