Security deposit limits, eviction notice requirements, rent increase rules, and every compliance deadline for Maryland landlords. 157 cities covered.
Based on Maryland state statutes. Updated August 2026.
Maryland Landlord Law Summary
In Maryland, landlords must return security deposits within 45 days, provide 3-day eviction notice for nonpayment, and do not cap rent increases. No just cause eviction requirement.
Maryland Landlord Rules at a Glance
Key compliance requirements every Maryland landlord must follow.
Rule
Requirement
Security Deposit Cap
2 months’ rent
Deposit Return Deadline
45 days
Eviction Notice (Nonpayment)
Immediate filing permitted (varies by county; Baltimore City requires 10-day notice)
Rent Cap
No statewide cap (some counties have caps: Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Takoma Park)
Entry Notice
24 hours notice (varies by county)
Late Fee Cap
5% of monthly rent
Grace Period
No statutory requirement (varies by county)
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
Deposit Interest
Required
What Happens If You Violate Maryland Landlord-Tenant Law
Security deposit violation: Tenant may recover up to 3x the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney fees.
Late deposit return: Miss the 45-day deadline and tenants can sue for up to 3x the withheld amount, plus interest.
Improper eviction notice: Wrong notice period or procedure = case dismissed. You restart from zero and owe additional court costs.
Illegal entry: Entering without 24-hour notice = harassment claim. Tenants can terminate the lease and sue for damages.
Fair housing violation: First offense: $16,000+ federal fine. Repeat: $65,000+. Plus actual damages, attorney fees, and potential criminal penalties.
Don’t risk it. Let LeaseBase track Maryland compliance for you.
Deposit deadlines, eviction notice periods, rent cap calculations — monitored automatically across all 157 Maryland cities.
Not statewide. However, some counties and municipalities have local rent stabilization measures, including Montgomery County, Takoma Park, and Prince George’s County.
Yes. Maryland requires landlords to hold security deposits in interest-bearing accounts and pay the tenant annual interest. Deposits are capped at 2 months’ rent.
Maryland caps late fees at 5% of monthly rent. This applies statewide, though local jurisdictions may have additional requirements.
Compliance tracking for your Maryland properties
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How we researched this page: This guide covers all Maryland landlord-tenant statutes, verified against official government sources. Rent data comes from HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026). Last updated: August 2026.
