Landlord tools · Maryland

Maryland residential lease agreement.

Everything a Maryland lease must get right in 2026 — deposit limits, late fees, notice periods, and required disclosures — plus a free builder that applies each rule for you and outputs a signable PDF.

1 monthSecurity deposit cap

45 daysDeposit return deadline

24 hrsEntry notice required

60 daysTo end month-to-month

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Security deposits in Maryland

Maryland caps security deposits at 1 month of rent. Max 1 month's rent for leases signed on/after Oct 1, 2024 After the tenancy ends, the deposit must be returned within 45 days. Within 45 days with interest; itemized list if withheld; up to 3x penalty Returning one now? Use the free Maryland deposit return letter generator — it computes the deadline and itemizes deductions for you.

Late fees and grace periods

Maryland limits late fees: 5% of rent due. No grace period is required by statute, though many leases include one. 5% monthly cap (weekly: $3/week, $12/month max).

Landlord entry and notices

Landlords must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering, except in emergencies. At least 24 hours' written notice except emergencies (eff. Oct 1, 2025). Ending a month-to-month tenancy takes 60 days' written notice (60 days' notice for month-to-month; some localities differ). Rent increases require 90 days' advance notice (90 days' notice for tenancies over one month (eff. Oct 2025)). Planning an increase? The free Maryland rent increase notice generator applies the notice period automatically.

Required disclosures in a Maryland lease

Lead-based paint (federal + MD registry). Federal disclosure plus MD lead registration and inspection certificate (Required when: pre-1978 housing.)
Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights. Current DHCD Tenants' Bill of Rights must be attached to every lease (Always required.)
Security deposit receipt. Written receipt with tenant rights (inspection, interest, return rules) (Required when: if deposit taken.)
Move-in/move-out inspection rights. Notice of right to be present at move-in and move-out inspections (Required when: if deposit taken.)
Ratio utility billing (RUBS). Written disclosure of allocation method if utilities billed by ratio (Required when: if RUBS used.)

Clauses you can’t put in a Maryland lease

Confessed-judgment clauses (void)
Late fees over 5%
Waiver of tenant rights or notice periods
Retaliation

Utilities and pets

Utilities: RUBS allocation must be disclosed in lease; landlord-caused utility shutoffs prohibited. Pets: Pet deposits count toward the 1-month total deposit cap; no fees for assistance animals.

Frequently asked questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maryland?

Maryland caps security deposits at 1 month of rent. Max 1 month's rent for leases signed on/after Oct 1, 2024

How long does a Maryland landlord have to return the deposit?

45 days after the tenancy ends. Within 45 days with interest; itemized list if withheld; up to 3x penalty

Are late fees limited in Maryland?

Yes — 5% of rent due. 5% monthly cap (weekly: $3/week, $12/month max)

How much notice before a landlord can enter the unit in Maryland?

At least 24 hours, except in emergencies. At least 24 hours' written notice except emergencies (eff. Oct 1, 2025)

Does Maryland have rent control?

No statewide rent control. No statewide rent control; local programs allowed and exist (Takoma Park, Montgomery, Prince George's counties)

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Key statutes: Md. Real Prop. § 8-203 · § 8-203.1 · § 8-208 · § 8-209 · § 8-402. Last reviewed 2026-07. This guide summarizes state law for convenience and is not legal advice; cities and counties may add their own rules.