How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maryland?

Security deposit may not exceed one month's rent. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203) The deposit must be accounted for within 45 days after the tenancy ends (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203).

Is there a limit on late fees in Maryland?

A late fee may not exceed 5% of the monthly rent. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(3))

How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Maryland?

Maryland has no statewide entry-notice statute, so Landy's lease sets one by agreement. That agreed period is 24 hours.

How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Maryland?

Either party must give at least one month's written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy; some counties require more. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402)

What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Maryland?

Landlord must give the tenant 10 days' written notice before filing a failure-to-pay-rent action. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-401) The case is filed as a failure to pay rent action in District Court of Maryland. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.

Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Maryland?

A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Maryland tenancies are governed by the Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Maryland with the statutory citations printed in it.

Maryland Residential Lease Agreement

A lease that works in the State of Maryland has to respect the Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024: a security deposit capped at one month's rent, accounted for within 45 days of move-out, and late fees limited to 5% of the rent. Below is every number that governs a Maryland tenancy, with the statute it comes from.

Read the whole lease before you pay. $14.99 to download, or three for $29.

Maryland rental law at a glance

Each row is the rule Landy applies when it builds a Maryland lease. The citation is printed in the finished document too, so a tenant can check it.

Maryland landlord-tenant rules with statutory citations
Rule	Maryland	Citation
Security deposit limit	one month's rentSecurity deposit may not exceed one month's rent.	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203
Deposit return deadline	45 daysLandlord must return the deposit with interest, or an itemized list of deductions, within 45 days after the tenancy ends.	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203
Interest on deposits	RequiredMaryland requires simple interest on security deposits held for at least six months.	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(e)
Late fee limit	5% of the rentA late fee may not exceed 5% of the monthly rent.	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(3)
Grace period before rent is late	No statutory grace periodMaryland sets no general statutory grace period for rent.	No statute on point
Notice to pay or quit	10 daysLandlord must give the tenant 10 days' written notice before filing a failure-to-pay-rent action.	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-401
Time to cure a lease violation	30 daysTenant generally receives 30 days' notice to remedy a lease violation.	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402.1
Ending a month-to-month tenancy	30 days' noticeEither party must give at least one month's written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy; some counties require more.	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402
Notice before landlord entry	No statute — Landy's lease sets 24 hours by agreementMaryland has no statewide entry-notice statute, so Landy's lease sets one by agreement.	No statute on point

Disclosures a Maryland lease must carry

Missing a required disclosure is the most common way an otherwise fine lease creates a problem. Landy adds these automatically, plus any that apply only to your specific property.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling, provide any available records and reports to the tenant, and give the tenant the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home." Tenant acknowledges receipt of this information by signing below.
42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 24 C.F.R. Part 35; 40 C.F.R. Part 745 · applies to housing built before 1978
Maryland Lead Risk Reduction
For rental housing built before 1978, Landlord confirms the property is registered with the Maryland Department of the Environment and has provided the required lead poisoning information packet.
Md. Code, Envir. § 6-801 et seq. · applies to housing built before 1978
Habitability and Deposit Rights Notice
Landlord has provided Tenant with written notice of the tenant's rights regarding the security deposit, including the right to a move-in and move-out inspection.
Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203.1

If things go wrong in Maryland

Where eviction is filed

District Court of Maryland, as a failure to pay rent action.

Governing law

Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024, cited from the Maryland Code, Real Property.

Never self-help

Changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out is unlawful. A court order is the only route.

Maryland lease questions, answered

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maryland?: Security deposit may not exceed one month's rent. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203) The deposit must be accounted for within 45 days after the tenancy ends (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203).
Is there a limit on late fees in Maryland?: A late fee may not exceed 5% of the monthly rent. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(3))
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Maryland?: Maryland has no statewide entry-notice statute, so Landy's lease sets one by agreement. That agreed period is 24 hours.
How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Maryland?: Either party must give at least one month's written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy; some counties require more. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402)
What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Maryland?: Landlord must give the tenant 10 days' written notice before filing a failure-to-pay-rent action. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-401) The case is filed as a failure to pay rent action in District Court of Maryland. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.
Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Maryland?: A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Maryland tenancies are governed by the Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Maryland with the statutory citations printed in it.

Build a Maryland lease with these rules already in it.

Answer questions in plain English. Landy writes the Maryland lease around your answers, applies every limit above, and shows you the finished document before you decide to pay.

Lease laws in other states

This page summarizes Maryland law for general information and is not legal advice. Landy is a self-help document service, not a law firm. Cities and counties may impose additional requirements, and statutes change. Have a licensed Maryland attorney review your lease before you rely on it.