Maryland Landlord Tenant Laws

The following information regarding Maryland landlord tenant laws answers the most common concerns and questions, from reasonable repair requests and move-out notice.

How long does a landlord have to give you to move out in Maryland?

In Maryland, a landlord must give a tenant a month’s notice before the end of their lease if the tenant is required to move out. If the tenant does not move out, the landlord may send an eviction notice and begin legal proceedings.

Read more here.

What happens if your landlord doesn’t fix things in Maryland?

According to the Maryland landlord tenant act, landlords are required to repair damages to rentals that compromise the health and safety of the tenant. As provided by the landlord tenant laws of Maryland, the following hazardous conditions warrant serious repercussions if not rectified immediately:

• Lack of heat, light, electricity, or water, unless you are responsible for the utilities and the utilities were shut off because you didn’t pay the bill…
• Lack of adequate sewage disposal;
• Rodent infestation in two or more units;
• Lead-based paint hazards that the landlord has failed to reduce;
• The existence of any structural defect that presents a serious threat to your physical safety; and
• The existence of any condition that presents a serious fire or health hazard

Maryland Attorney General’s Office

But, the law is very clear that tenants must give the landlord proper notice (e.g., certified mail or notifications from the local housing department) and time to fix the issues. For example, if the heating goes out, the tenant must properly notify the landlord and the landlord must fix the problem in a timely manner.

If, however, the landlord fails to make the repair, tenants are able to pay their rent into an escrow account established at their local District Court. Additionally, the Court will hold a hearing to determine if a rent escrow account is needed. Further, the judge may allow the tenant to receive back their rent in the full or partial amount as part of compensation for the housing conditions. On the other hand, the judge may appoint an administrator to ensure that the repairs are made to the rental unit.

In addition, the tenant may report the landlord to the local authorities, as local laws will have housing standards the landlord is required to comply with. If such a complaint is made, the local authorities can investigate the issue, and the proper maintenance will have to be made.

Read more here.

Can a tenant refuse entry to landlord in Maryland?

Landlords may enter the premise with reasonable notice and for the following reasons:

• Inspection of the unit
• To make necessary repairs
• To show the unit to prospective tenants

However, landlords may be considered trespassing if they try to enter the rental without an announcement or notification.

Read more here.

Maryland Landlord Tenant Laws

There you have it! Those are some of the frequently asked questions about Maryland Landlord Tenant laws. For more information, feel free to peruse the Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s review for more rules and regulations.

Resources for Landlord Tenant Laws

Read more of our state landlord tenant law guides here.

Note: This content is not intended to substitute or be construed as professional legal advice. It is for referential purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your legal counsel. Please consult your professional legal representation to be sure you are compliant with any local, state, or federal laws.