Maryland Landlord Tenant Law 2024: Rules, Rights, and Real Talk

When it comes to Maryland landlord tenant law 2024, the set of rules governing rental agreements, security deposits, rent increases, and eviction procedures in Maryland as of 2024. Also known as Maryland rental laws, it’s not just paperwork—it’s what keeps both landlords and tenants from getting ripped off. This isn’t a vague guideline. It’s enforced. Miss a notice deadline? Overcharge for a deposit? Skip the rental license? You could lose money, face fines, or even get blocked from selling your property.

One of the biggest things landlords get wrong is rental license Maryland, the mandatory permit required to rent out property in most Maryland counties. It’s not optional. In Baltimore County, for example, you can’t even show a unit to a tenant without one. Processing times vary—some places take 3 weeks, others 8. If you skip it, your lease isn’t legally enforceable, and you can’t sue for unpaid rent. Tenants, this means if your landlord hasn’t got the license, you have leverage. You can report them, delay rent, or even walk away without penalty in some cases. Then there’s security deposit Maryland, the maximum amount a landlord can collect and how it must be handled. As of 2024, you can’t ask for more than two months’ rent. It must be held in a separate account, and you get it back within 45 days after move-out—with a written itemized list of deductions. No vague "cleaning fee"—you need receipts for every dollar taken. And if your rent goes up? rent increase Maryland, the legal limits on how much and how often rent can rise. There’s no statewide cap, but you must give at least 60 days’ notice for month-to-month leases. For fixed-term leases, rent can’t go up until the lease ends—unless the lease says otherwise. And if you’re in a rent-controlled area like Montgomery County, the rules get even tighter. Don’t forget tenant rights Maryland, what you can and can’t be forced to accept as a renter. Landlords can’t turn off utilities, change locks, or threaten eviction without a court order. Repairs? You have the right to request them in writing. If they’re ignored for over 30 days, you can pay for them yourself and deduct the cost from rent.

These aren’t abstract ideas. They’re daily realities for thousands of people in Maryland. Whether you’re a landlord trying to stay legal or a tenant who just got a surprise rent hike, the 2024 rules are your shield. The posts below break down exactly what’s changed, what’s still confusing, and how to act—whether you’re applying for a rental license, disputing a deposit, or just trying to understand your rights before signing a lease. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you move, rent, or get sued.