Rental Repairs Maryland: What Landlords Must Know About Legal Responsibilities and Costs

When you own a rental property in Maryland, a U.S. state with strict landlord-tenant laws that require timely repairs and proper licensing. Also known as the Maryland rental market, it demands more than just collecting rent—you must keep units safe, habitable, and compliant. Unlike some states, Maryland doesn’t let landlords ignore broken heaters, leaky roofs, or mold. The law says you have to fix these issues—and fast. If you don’t, tenants can withhold rent, call code enforcement, or even sue you for damages.

One of the biggest misunderstandings among landlords is thinking they can delay repairs until it’s convenient. That’s not how it works. Under Maryland rental laws, a set of regulations requiring landlords to maintain safe living conditions and respond to repair requests within a specific timeframe. Also known as the Maryland Landlord-Tenant Act, it forces owners to act within 30 days for non-emergency issues and 7 days for serious hazards like no heat in winter or broken plumbing. And it’s not just about fixing things—it’s about proving you did. Keep records. Take photos. Send written notices. If a tenant claims you ignored a repair, your paper trail is your only defense.

Getting a rental license Maryland, a mandatory permit required by most counties to legally rent out a property. Also known as a rental registration or rental permit, it’s not optional. Baltimore, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties all require it, and fines for operating without one can hit $1,000 per month. Plus, you can’t legally evict a tenant if you don’t have a current license. The application process can take weeks. Some counties ask for inspection reports, proof of insurance, and even fire safety certificates. Don’t wait until a tenant complains to start. Get ahead of it.

Common repair costs in Maryland? Plumbing fixes average $300–$800. Electrical work runs $400–$1,200. HVAC repairs? $500–$2,000. Mold remediation can cost $2,000 or more. But here’s the catch: you can’t just raise rent to cover it. Maryland limits rent increases to once per year for month-to-month leases, and no increase is allowed during a fixed-term lease unless the lease says otherwise. That means you need to budget for repairs—not pass them off as surprise costs.

Some landlords try to shift responsibility to tenants by saying, "It’s your fault." But unless the damage was caused by the tenant’s negligence, you’re still on the hook. A broken window from a storm? You fix it. A clogged drain from normal use? You fix it. Only if a tenant poured grease down the sink for months and ignored warnings can you argue they caused it—and even then, you’ll need documentation.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real, practical answers to the questions landlords in Maryland actually ask. How long does it take to get a rental license? Can a tenant legally withhold rent? What repairs are legally required? What happens if you skip inspections? You’ll see exact timelines, cost ranges, and legal loopholes—no fluff, no theory, just what works on the ground in Maryland.