Maryland Landlord License: Rules, Requirements, and 2024 Changes

When you own rental property in Maryland, a U.S. state with strict landlord-tenant regulations that require formal compliance for property owners. Also known as Maryland rental property owner, it’s not enough to just collect rent—you need to follow state laws that changed dramatically in 2024. Unlike some states where renting out a property is as simple as signing a lease, Maryland treats landlords as regulated professionals. There’s no single statewide license like a contractor’s license, but there are mandatory registrations, disclosures, and compliance steps that act like a de facto license. Skip these, and you risk fines, eviction delays, or even losing the right to collect rent.

One of the biggest shifts came in 2024 with new Maryland landlord-tenant law, a set of updated rules governing rent increases, security deposits, evictions, and habitability standards for rental properties in Maryland. Landlords now face strict rent caps in certain counties—no more arbitrary $300 hikes. Security deposits are capped at two months’ rent, and you must return them within 45 days with a detailed itemized list of deductions. If you don’t, the tenant can sue for up to three times the deposit. And forget about evicting someone without a court order—self-help evictions like changing locks or shutting off utilities are illegal and can lead to criminal charges.

These rules aren’t just about penalties—they’re about fairness. Maryland’s 2024 updates were designed to protect tenants, especially in high-demand areas like Baltimore and Montgomery County. But that doesn’t mean landlords are out of luck. If you follow the rules, you get clear legal standing. You can still screen tenants, raise rent within limits, and enforce lease terms. The key is documentation: keep copies of every notice, payment, and repair request. Use state-approved forms. Register your property with your local jurisdiction—some counties require it even if the state doesn’t. And if you’re a non-resident landlord living out of state, you must appoint a local agent to receive legal notices.

What you’ll find below is a collection of real, practical guides that break down exactly what these laws mean for you. From how to handle a rent increase without breaking the law, to what happens if a tenant breaks their lease, to how Maryland’s rules compare to Virginia’s or New York’s—you’ll get the clear, no-fluff answers you need. Whether you’re a first-time landlord in Frederick or a property manager handling dozens of units in Annapolis, the posts here give you the tools to stay compliant, avoid lawsuits, and run your rentals smoothly. No theory. No jargon. Just what works in Maryland today.