IL
IntelligentLandlord
HomeState LawsMaryland
Tenant Leaning · Rank #38 of 51

Maryland
Landlord Laws
2026 Complete Guide

Everything a landlord needs to know about Maryland law — eviction process, security deposits, entry rights, rent control status, and local court resources.

4
out of 10 · Tenant Leaning
📋
Notice Period
4 days
⏱️
Full Eviction
~60 days
💰
Deposit Max
2 months
🔑
Entry Notice
None req.
💳
Late Fee Cap
5%
Rent Control
No
Live Market Data · RentCast

Maryland Rental Market

Current rents by bedroom · top metro breakdowns · YoY trend

Mar 29, 2026
1 Bedroom
$1,421
2 Bedrooms
$2,050
3 Bedrooms
$2,748
YoY Trend
-3%
Days on Market
49d
Baltimore NW
21215
1BR$850
2BR$1,350
3BR$1,695
YoY
-9.1%
DOM
42.76d
Listings
223
Rockville
20852
1BR$1,991
2BR$2,750
3BR$3,800
YoY
+3%
DOM
54.69d
Listings
232

Maryland Eviction Process

Complete timeline for removing a non-paying or violating tenant in Maryland

01
Serve Notice
4-day written notice for non-payment of rent. No special delivery method required by statute.
02
File Complaint
If tenant fails to pay or vacate after 4 days, file an eviction complaint at your local court. Filing fee: $35–$51.
03
Court Hearing
Hearing typically scheduled 7–14 days after filing. Bring your lease, all notices, rent ledger, and any communications with the tenant.
04
Judgment & Possession
If you win, the court issues a judgment for possession. Tenant typically has 24–72 hours to vacate. If not, obtain a writ of possession.
ESTIMATED TOTAL TIMELINE
Filing + Hearing (14d)
7d
Writ (35d)
Average total: 60 days from notice to possession. US average is ~50 days.

Security Deposit Rules

Maryland security deposit laws, limits, and return requirements

💰
Maximum Deposit
2 months
Per current statutes
📅
Return Deadline
14–45 days
After tenant vacates
📋
Itemization Required
Yes
Written itemization of deductions
📈
Interest Required
No
Required in some high-reg states

Rights & Responsibilities

What both parties are entitled to under Maryland law

✅ Landlord Rights
Can recover court costs
⚖️ Tenant Rights
Right to jury trial in eviction
Escrow rights

Required Disclosures

Items you must disclose to tenants in Maryland before or at lease signing

📄 Lead paint (strict)
📄 Mold
📄 Flood
📄 Utilities

Rent Control Status

Maryland rent increase and rent control laws

No Rent Control in Maryland
Maryland has no statewide rent control law. You can raise rents by any amount with proper notice (typically 30 days for month-to-month, or at lease end for fixed terms). Late fees are subject to a cap: 5%.

Maryland Landlord FAQs

Common questions answered — also powers Google rich results

How long does eviction take in Maryland?+
The average eviction timeline in Maryland is 60 days from notice to possession. The pay-or-quit notice period is 4 days. Filing fee is $35–$51.
What is the security deposit limit in Maryland?+
In Maryland, the security deposit maximum is 2 months. Landlords must return the deposit with an itemized statement of deductions.
Does Maryland have rent control?+
No. Maryland has no statewide rent control. You can raise rents by any amount with proper notice — typically 30 days for month-to-month tenancies.
How much entry notice is required in Maryland?+
Maryland does not require advance notice before entering a rental unit by statute, though best practice is always to notify tenants.

Compare Similar States

States with comparable landlord-friendliness scores

Colorado
4
60d eviction · None (return in 30 days)
Connecticut
3
75d eviction · 2 months (1 month if 62+)
Delaware
5
60d eviction · 1 month (after 1yr)
Hawaii
3
60d eviction · 1 month
← All StatesEviction Resources →