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MD LANDLORD-TENANT LAW

Maryland Landlord-Tenant Laws 2026

Security deposit limits, notice requirements, eviction process, late fees, and more for Maryland landlords. All citations reference actual Maryland statutes.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes with your state legislature or consult a licensed attorney before making legal decisions.
Security DepositNotice PeriodEvictionLate FeeLease TerminationRent IncreaseHabitabilityLandlord EntryFair Housing
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Security Deposit Rules

Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203
Security deposit limited to 2 months rent. Must be returned within 45 days. Interest required (rate set by state). Itemized deductions in writing required.
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Notice Period Requirements

Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402
Month-to-month requires 1 month notice (2 months in Baltimore City). Week-to-week requires 1 week notice. Lease violation: 30 days notice for most violations.
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⚖️

Eviction Process

Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-401
Nonpayment: landlord may file immediately after rent is late (no notice required for nonpayment in most counties). Lease violation: 30-day notice to cure. Court filing required.
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Late Fee Rules

Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208
Late fee cannot exceed 5% of monthly rent. No statutory grace period required, but many leases include one. Fee must be specified in lease.
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Lease Termination

Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402
Fixed-term ends per lease. Month-to-month: 1 month notice (2 months in Baltimore City). Early termination for military or domestic violence.
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Rent Increase Rules

Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208
No statewide rent control. Some localities (Montgomery County, Prince George's County) have rent stabilization. Proper notice required per locality.
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Habitability Standards

Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-211
Landlord must maintain premises in habitable condition and comply with building, housing, and health codes. Rent escrow available if landlord fails to make repairs after notice.
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Landlord Entry Rules

Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-211
No specific statewide statute on entry notice. Reasonable notice recommended. Emergency entry without notice. Lease should specify terms.
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Fair Housing Protections

Md. Code, State Gov't § 20-705
Maryland fair housing law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
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