Is Maryland tenant friendly?

Generally, yes. Maryland caps security deposits, requires written notice before a landlord can file for unpaid rent, requires lead paint compliance for older rentals, and forbids self-help evictions. Montgomery and Prince George's counties also limit rent increases. Landlords who follow the process still win cases for unpaid rent.

What happens if you do not pay rent in Maryland?

The landlord must give at least 10 days' written notice before filing a failure-to-pay-rent case in District Court. At trial the court can award possession. The tenant can usually stop the eviction by paying everything owed before it is carried out, though that right can be limited after repeated judgments. Only the sheriff can carry out the eviction.

Can a landlord raise rent in Maryland?

There is no statewide rent cap. A landlord can raise rent at renewal or with proper notice on a month-to-month lease. Montgomery County, Prince George's County and Takoma Park have rent stabilization laws that cap yearly increases for many units and set notice periods, so check the local rule before sending a notice.

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

For deposits taken on or after October 1, 2024, no more than one month's rent. The landlord must give a receipt and return the deposit, with an itemized list of any deductions, within 45 days after the tenant moves out.

Maryland guides

Maryland landlord-tenant rules every rental owner should know

Maryland leans toward tenants, and the rules tightened again in 2024. None of it is hard to follow if the rental is set up right before the first lease is signed.

By Stephen Wilson, REALTOR and owner of a licensed Maryland general contractor. Updated October 25, 2026.

Before the first lease

Rental license. Baltimore City requires a rental license with a passed inspection for most rentals, including single-family homes. Montgomery, Prince George's, Baltimore and Howard counties, Annapolis and other towns have their own licensing or registration. Check with the county or city before you advertise.
Lead paint. Rentals built before 1978 must be registered with the Maryland Department of the Environment and pass a lead inspection at each turnover, unless the home is certified lead-free. This is the rule owners miss most often, and the penalties are real.
Written lease. Use a lease that follows Maryland law. Landlords must also give tenants the state's tenant rights summary with the lease.
Fair housing. Maryland and many counties protect more groups than federal law, including source of income (such as a housing voucher). Screen every applicant by the same written criteria.

Security deposits

Deposits collected on or after October 1, 2024 are capped at one month's rent. Give a written receipt, hold the deposit in a Maryland account for that purpose, offer a move-in inspection, and return it with any deductions itemized within 45 days after move-out. Getting the paperwork wrong can cost an owner up to three times the amount withheld plus legal fees, so treat it like the tenant's money, because it is.

When a tenant does not pay

Send the written notice of intent to file, at least 10 days before filing.
File a failure-to-pay-rent complaint in the District Court for the county where the home is. The landlord pays the filing costs.
Go to trial. If the court rules for you, it enters a judgment for possession.
If the rent is still unpaid, request a warrant of restitution. The sheriff schedules and carries out the eviction.

Never change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out. Those self-help steps are illegal in Maryland. Lease violations and holding over after a lease ends use different court cases with their own notice rules.

Raising the rent

Statewide, rent can go up at renewal or with proper written notice on a month-to-month tenancy. Local limits apply in:

Montgomery County: rent stabilization caps the yearly increase for most rental units, with exemptions for newer buildings, and requires advance written notice of an increase.
Prince George's County: the Permanent Rent Stabilization and Protection Act caps increases for many units at the lower of 6% or inflation plus 3%, with newer buildings exempt.
Takoma Park: has its own rent stabilization program.

Caps are reset each year and exemptions are detailed. Confirm the current numbers with the county housing department before you send a notice.

Where to confirm

The Maryland Attorney General's consumer protection office, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Maryland Department of the Environment (lead) and your county's housing or licensing office publish the current rules. Laws in this area change most years, so check before every new lease. For a specific dispute, talk to a Maryland landlord-tenant attorney.

Thinking about renting out a home instead of selling it? Our property management page explains our fees and how our maintenance crew keeps repair costs down, and our cost of living guide covers how much renters need to earn.

Quick answers

Is Maryland tenant friendly?: Generally, yes. Maryland caps security deposits, requires written notice before a landlord can file for unpaid rent, requires lead paint compliance for older rentals, and forbids self-help evictions. Montgomery and Prince George's counties also limit rent increases. Landlords who follow the process still win cases for unpaid rent.
What happens if you do not pay rent in Maryland?: The landlord must give at least 10 days' written notice before filing a failure-to-pay-rent case in District Court. At trial the court can award possession. The tenant can usually stop the eviction by paying everything owed before it is carried out, though that right can be limited after repeated judgments. Only the sheriff can carry out the eviction.
Can a landlord raise rent in Maryland?: There is no statewide rent cap. A landlord can raise rent at renewal or with proper notice on a month-to-month lease. Montgomery County, Prince George's County and Takoma Park have rent stabilization laws that cap yearly increases for many units and set notice periods, so check the local rule before sending a notice.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maryland?: For deposits taken on or after October 1, 2024, no more than one month's rent. The landlord must give a receipt and return the deposit, with an itemized list of any deductions, within 45 days after the tenant moves out.

This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change and vary by county; confirm the details for your situation with the agency named above, a tax professional or an attorney.