Maryland Rental License: What You Need to Know About Landlord Rules and Requirements

When you own a rental property in Maryland rental license, a legal requirement for certain landlords in Maryland to register and comply with state housing rules. Also known as Maryland landlord registration, it’s not just paperwork—it’s your ticket to avoiding fines, lawsuits, or being barred from collecting rent. If you’re renting out a house, apartment, or even a room in Maryland, you need to know what’s required—especially after the big 2024 updates.

It’s not just about getting a license. Maryland landlord-tenant law, a set of rules governing how landlords and renters interact, including rent limits, security deposits, and eviction procedures changed dramatically in 2024. Rent increases are now capped in some areas. Security deposits can’t exceed two months’ rent. And landlords must give 60 days’ notice before raising rent in certain counties. These aren’t suggestions—they’re enforceable laws. Skip compliance, and you could lose your right to evict, face penalties up to $5,000 per violation, or even be sued by tenants.

And it’s not just landlords who need to pay attention. tenant rights Maryland, the legal protections renters have under state and local housing codes are stronger than ever. Tenants can now withhold rent if repairs are ignored, demand written receipts for deposits, and challenge illegal eviction notices in court. If you’re a landlord, that means you can’t just send a notice and hope it sticks. You need proof, proper forms, and a clear paper trail. If you’re a renter, you’re not powerless—you have tools to push back against unfair practices.

What’s missing from most guides? Real examples. Like how a landlord in Montgomery County got fined $3,200 for not registering a 3-unit building. Or how a Baltimore tenant got their full deposit back after proving the landlord didn’t provide a written inventory. These aren’t rare cases—they’re happening every week. The system is designed to be fair, but only if you know how to use it.

Below, you’ll find real posts that break down exactly what’s changed, what you owe, what you can demand, and how to avoid the traps most people don’t see coming. Whether you’re buying your first rental in Annapolis or you’ve been renting out a basement apartment for years, these guides give you the facts you need—no fluff, no legalese, just what works.