Maryland Rental Law: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

When you rent a home in Maryland rental law, the set of rules governing landlord-tenant relationships in the state of Maryland, including rent control, security deposits, and licensing requirements. It’s not just about signing a lease—it’s about knowing what you can and can’t do, legally. Unlike some states, Maryland doesn’t have statewide rent control, but it does have strict rules on how much landlords can raise rent, when they can do it, and how they must notify tenants. And if you’re a landlord? You need a rental license Maryland, a mandatory permit issued by local counties that allows property owners to rent out residential units—or you could face fines, eviction bans, or even criminal charges.

Security deposits in Maryland are capped at two months’ rent, and you have to return them within 45 days after the tenant moves out—with a written itemized list of deductions. No vague statements like ‘cleaning fee’ or ‘wear and tear.’ You need receipts. Tenants can sue for triple the deposit amount if you mess this up. And if you want to raise rent by $300? You can’t do it mid-lease. You need at least 60 days’ notice for month-to-month tenancies, and 90 days if the tenant is over 62 or has a disability. These aren’t suggestions—they’re enforceable under landlord tenant rights Maryland, the legal framework that defines obligations and protections for both parties in rental agreements across Maryland.

Many landlords think they can skip the rental license because they’re not in Baltimore or Montgomery County. Wrong. Every county in Maryland requires one, and processing times vary—from two weeks in some places to over two months in others. Delays happen when paperwork is incomplete, inspections are missed, or background checks aren’t cleared. If you’re renting out a property, you’re not just a property owner—you’re a regulated business. And tenants? They have the right to ask for proof of that license before signing anything. No license? No lease.

There’s no magic trick to avoiding disputes. The best way to stay on the right side of Maryland rental law is to document everything—rent payments, repair requests, inspection results. Keep copies of every notice you send. Use certified mail. Record conversations if you’re legally allowed. The law doesn’t favor landlords or tenants—it favors those who follow it. And when you do, you avoid costly court battles, lost income, and damaged credit.

Below, you’ll find real, up-to-date answers to the questions people actually ask: How long does it take to get a rental license? Can a landlord enter without notice? What happens if a tenant stops paying? We’ve pulled together the most practical, legally accurate posts from people who’ve been through it—landlords who got fined, tenants who won their deposits back, and inspectors who know exactly where the traps are.