Maryland Landlord-Tenant Law Guide
Maryland has comprehensive tenant protection laws with detailed requirements for security deposits, rent increases, and habitability standards. The state provides strong enforcement mechanisms and penalties for landlord non-compliance.
Security Deposit
Limit: 2 months' rent for security deposits.
Return Period: 45 days after termination of tenancy. Must provide itemized list of damages and costs. Failure to comply results in forfeiture of right to withhold deposit plus possible penalties of 3 times the deposit.
Rent Increases
1 month notice for month-to-month leases if rent increase is less than 10%, 2 months notice if 10% or more. No increases during lease term unless specified.
Entry Notice
Reasonable notice required, typically 24 hours except in emergencies.
Key Statutes
- Maryland Real Property Code §8-203 - Security Deposits
- Maryland Real Property Code §8-203.1 - Interest on Deposits
- Maryland Real Property Code §8-208 - Landlord
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Common Issues
- Not returning deposits within 45 days with itemization
- Failure to pay interest on deposits (required in some counties)
- Not providing adequate notice for rent increases
- Retaliatory actions against tenants
- Failure to register rental properties (required in some jurisdictions)