Landlord Obligations Maryland: What You Must Know as a Renter or Owner

When you own rental property in Landlord Obligations Maryland, the legal duties a property owner must follow when renting out housing in the state of Maryland. Also known as Maryland rental laws, these rules cover everything from security deposits to habitability standards — and failing to follow them can cost you money, time, or even your license. Unlike some states, Maryland doesn’t let landlords set their own rules. The state enforces strict guidelines to protect tenants, and that means you, as the owner, have clear responsibilities you can’t ignore.

One of the biggest things landlords forget? You need a Maryland rental license, a legal permit required to rent out residential property in most Maryland counties. Also known as rental permit Maryland, this isn’t optional. In Baltimore, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and others, you can’t legally collect rent without one. The rental license processing time Maryland, how long it takes to get approved for a rental permit in Maryland. Also known as Maryland landlord license timeline, it usually takes 4 to 8 weeks if your paperwork is clean — but if you miss a form or skip an inspection, it can drag on for months. And it’s not just about paperwork. You must provide working heat, running water, no mold, and safe electrical systems. If a tenant reports a serious issue and you don’t fix it within 30 days, they can legally withhold rent or even break the lease.

Then there’s rent increases. Maryland doesn’t cap how much you can raise rent, but you must give at least 60 days’ notice for month-to-month leases and follow what’s written in fixed-term leases. You can’t raise rent in retaliation, and you can’t charge more than what’s agreed on until the lease ends. Security deposits? You can’t ask for more than two months’ rent, and you must return it within 45 days after the tenant moves out — with a written breakdown of any deductions. Skip this step, and you could be on the hook for triple the deposit amount.

And don’t think you’re off the hook if you live out of state. non-resident landlord, a property owner who rents out housing in Maryland but lives elsewhere. Also known as out-of-state landlord Maryland, you still have to register, pay taxes, and respond to repairs just like a local owner. The state doesn’t care where you live — if the property is in Maryland, Maryland law applies. Many landlords get caught off guard by this. They assume remote ownership means remote responsibility. It doesn’t. The state will come after you for unpaid fees, code violations, or unreturned deposits — even if you’re in another country.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides written by people who’ve been through it — the mistakes, the surprises, the loopholes, and the fixes. From how long it actually takes to get your rental license to what happens if you don’t fix a broken heater, these posts cut through the noise. No fluff. No legal jargon. Just what you need to know to stay compliant, avoid fines, and keep your tenants happy — or know your rights if you’re the one renting.