Tenant Protections Maryland: Your Rights as a Renter in 2025

When you rent in Tenant protections Maryland, a set of state and local laws that define what landlords can and cannot do to renters. These rules cover rent increases, security deposits, repairs, and even how fast a landlord can kick you out. Also known as renter rights in Maryland, they’re not just paperwork—they’re your shield against unfair treatment. Unlike some states where landlords have near-total control, Maryland gives tenants real power, especially in cities like Baltimore and Montgomery County.

One key related concept is the Maryland rental license, a legal requirement for anyone renting out property in most Maryland counties. Without this license, a landlord can’t legally collect rent or file for eviction. This isn’t a formality—it’s a filter. It forces landlords to meet basic safety standards, pay fees, and register with local authorities. If your landlord hasn’t gotten this license, you might have leverage to challenge rent hikes or demand repairs without fear of retaliation. Then there’s the landlord tenant rights, the legal balance between what owners can expect from tenants and what renters can demand from owners. In Maryland, landlords must give 30 days’ notice before raising rent on a month-to-month lease, and they can’t raise it mid-lease unless your contract says otherwise. They also can’t shut off your heat, water, or electricity to force you out—that’s illegal, and you can report it. Security deposits? Maryland limits them to two months’ rent, and they must be returned within 45 days after you move out—with a written itemized list of any deductions.

These protections aren’t theoretical. In 2024, Baltimore City fined over 200 landlords for failing to renew rental licenses, and dozens of tenants won rent abatement cases because their units had mold, broken heating, or rodent infestations that were ignored. If you’re renting in Maryland, you’re not at the mercy of your landlord—you’re protected by law. The posts below cover exactly how these rules play out in real life: how long it takes to get a rental license, what happens when a landlord skips it, how rent increases are handled in different counties, and how to fight back when things go wrong. You’ll find real examples, step-by-step guides, and what to say when your landlord tries to push boundaries. This isn’t about legal jargon—it’s about knowing your power.