Maryland landlord-tenant laws.
Notable Maryland quirk
Triple damages cut both ways: charging above the 1-month deposit cap risks 3x the excess (§ 8-203(b)(3)), and baseless withholding past 45 days risks 3x the deposit plus attorney's fees (§ 8-203(e)(4)). Since Oct. 2025 Maryland also has a statewide 24-hour entry-notice statute (§ 8-221) — before that it had none.
Maryland landlord law FAQ
How much can I charge for a security deposit in Maryland?
No more than 1 month's rent per dwelling unit (§ 8-203(b)(1)) — cut from 2 months effective Oct. 1, 2024 by the Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act (Ch. 124). The only exception, up to 2 months, requires a tenant qualified for DHS utility assistance, a lease with utility payments made to the landlord, and a written agreement (§ 8-203(b)(2)). Overcharging risks 3x the excess plus attorney's fees (§ 8-203(b)(3)).
When do I have to return a security deposit in Maryland?
Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, with simple interest — the greater of the daily 1-year U.S. Treasury yield-curve rate or 1.5% a year — on deposits of $50 or more held at least 6 months (§ 8-203(e)). To keep any portion, send a written itemized list of damages and costs within the same 45 days (§ 8-203(g)(1)); withholding without a reasonable basis risks up to 3x the amount plus attorney's fees (§ 8-203(e)(4)).
What late fee can I charge on rent in Maryland?
At most 5% of the unpaid rent for the period it is delinquent — and for weekly tenancies, no more than $3 per week or $12 per month (§ 8-208(d)(3)). A lease clause above the cap is prohibited, and enforcing one exposes you to the tenant's actual damages plus attorney's fees (§ 8-208(g)).
How much notice do I give before entering a rental in Maryland?
Since Oct. 1, 2025, at least 24 hours' written notice stating the date, approximate time, and specific purpose, with entry only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday–Saturday unless the tenant agrees in writing to another time (§ 8-221). Emergencies are exempt, and a tenant who alleges a housing code violation must give you access within 24 hours (§ 8-221(f)).
Is there a grace period for rent in Maryland?
No statutory grace period — rent is due on the lease date. But before filing a failure-to-pay-rent case you must serve a written notice of intent to file and give the tenant 10 days to cure (§ 8-401(c)(1)), and any late fee is capped at 5% of the unpaid rent (§ 8-208(d)(3)).
How much can a landlord charge for late rent in Maryland?
Capped at 5% of the unpaid rent for the period (weekly tenancies: $3/week, max $12/month). Grace period: None statutory — but a failure-to-pay-rent case requires a written notice of intent to file and a 10-day cure window first (§ 8-401(c)(1)). Late fee terms should always be written into the lease.
What is the security deposit limit in Maryland?
1 month's rent (since Oct. 1, 2024; up to 2 months only under the narrow § 8-203(b)(2) utility-assistance exception). The deposit must be returned within 45 days after move-out.
How much notice does a landlord need to enter a rental in Maryland?
24 hours' written notice, entry 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon–Sat (since Oct. 1, 2025).
Is there rent control in Maryland?
Local (Takoma Park, Mt. Rainier).
Sources
Summarized from public statutes, state bar guides, and provincial residential tenancy acts. Last reviewed 2026-07-17. Deposit statute: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203 (cap cut to 1 month by Ch. 124 of 2024, eff. Oct. 1, 2024). Late fee statute: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(3) (5% of unpaid rent; $3/week up to $12/month for weekly tenancies).
- Md. Real Prop. § 8-203 (security deposits)
- Md. Real Prop. § 8-208 (late fees & lease provisions)
- Md. Real Prop. § 8-221 (notice of landlord entry)
- Md. Real Prop. § 8-401 (failure to pay rent — 10-day notice)
- HB 693 / Ch. 124 (2024) — Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.