Maryland (MD) law guide
Quick answer
Maryland caps security deposits at 1 month's rent and requires landlords to return them within 45 days of move-out. There is no statewide rent control, but landlords must give 90 days' written notice before raising rent on most tenants. For nonpayment of rent, a landlord must give a 10-day pay-or-vacate notice before filing in District Court.
Security deposit limit
1 month's rent (2 months if tenant pays utilities directly)
Deposit return deadline
45 days after tenancy ends
Statewide rent control
None (some localities have stabilization)
Nonpayment eviction notice
10 days to pay or vacate
Maryland rental market snapshot
Population
6.2 million
Renter households
33%
Median rent
$1,950/mo (2BR)
Largest rental markets
Baltimore, Rockville, Annapolis, Silver Spring, Frederick
Maryland rents are above the national median, driven by high demand in the Baltimore metro and DC suburbs. Montgomery County and Takoma Park enforce local rent stabilization on top of state rules.
Maryland landlords may collect no more than 1 month's rent as a security deposit for most residential leases. The cap rises to 2 months' rent only if the tenant qualifies for utility assistance, the lease requires the tenant to pay utilities directly to the landlord, and both parties agree in writing.
The deposit must be returned within 45 days after the tenancy ends, along with any accrued interest. Interest accrues at the greater of 1.5% per year or the 1-year U.S. Treasury yield rate, but only if the deposit is held for at least 6 months and exceeds $50.
Maryland has no statewide rent control. Landlords may raise rent by any amount but must give 90 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect on a monthly or year-to-year tenancy. During a fixed-term lease, rent cannot be raised unless the lease explicitly allows it.
Late fees are capped at 5% of the monthly rent. A statewide 15-day grace period applies before any late fee can be charged. Only one late fee per payment is allowed; daily or compounding fees are prohibited under Maryland Code §8-208.
For nonpayment of rent, a landlord must give the tenant a written 10-day notice to pay the full amount owed or vacate. If the tenant does not comply, the landlord files in District Court for the county where the property is located.
For lease violations other than nonpayment, the landlord must give 30 days' written notice to correct the breach. Month-to-month tenants can be terminated with 60 days' notice from either party.
Landlords must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering, stating the date, approximate time, and reason for entry. Entry is only permitted between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, unless the tenant agrees otherwise in writing. Emergency entry without notice is allowed when there is an immediate threat to health, safety, or property.
Landlords must make repairs that pose a fire hazard or a serious threat to the life, health, or safety of occupants within a reasonable time, generally up to 30 days, after written notice from the tenant. Failure to repair can allow a tenant to sue for costs or seek a court order under Maryland Code §8-211.
Maryland's implied warranty of habitability requires landlords to maintain rental units in a condition fit for human habitation. This includes working heat, running water, electricity, and freedom from pest infestation. Tenants can file complaints with local housing authorities if conditions are not corrected.
Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting housing code violations, requesting repairs, or organizing with other tenants. Retaliation within 6 months of a protected act creates a legal presumption in the tenant's favor. Maryland's Tenants' Bill of Rights, effective October 1, 2025, strengthened these protections.
Maryland follows the federal Fair Housing Act and adds state-level protections against discrimination based on marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and source of income. Landlords may not refuse to rent, set different terms, or harass tenants on the basis of any protected class.
A tenant may legally break a lease early due to domestic violence, active military deployment (under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act), or a landlord's failure to maintain habitability. Small claims cases between landlords and tenants go to District Court, which handles claims up to $5,000.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Maryland Real Property Article, Title 8. Laws change; confirm the current statute or consult an attorney before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-05.
Maryland FAQ
The limit is **1 month's rent** for most tenants. The only exception is when a tenant pays utilities directly and qualifies for utility assistance, in which case the cap is **2 months' rent** with written agreement. Collecting more than the cap exposes the landlord to penalties.
**45 days** after the tenancy ends. The landlord must also provide an itemized list of any deductions. If the deadline is missed, the landlord forfeits the right to make deductions and may owe the tenant up to **3 times the deposit** plus attorney fees.
There is **no statewide rent control** in Maryland. Landlords must give **90 days' written notice** before raising rent on most tenants, but there is no cap on how much rent can increase. Montgomery County and Takoma Park have their own local rent stabilization rules.
A landlord must give the tenant a written **10-day notice** to pay all rent owed or vacate before filing in District Court. If the tenant pays in full before or at the court hearing, the eviction is typically stopped.
No. Except in a genuine emergency, a landlord must give **at least 24 hours' written notice** before entering, and entry must take place between **7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday**. Unauthorized entry can result in a court injunction and damages against the landlord.
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