10 of the 10 rules below carry a statute citation that was read at the official source (most recently October 2026), with the controlling text quoted. The rest are conservative reference values from Aptoria's compliance data and are labeled unverified.
Security deposit size: A landlord may not impose a security deposit exceeding the equivalent of 1 month's rent per dwelling unit, regardless of the number of tenants. Exception: up to 2 months' rent if the tenant qualifies for DHS utility assistance, the lease requires the tenant to pay utilities to the landlord, and both agree in writing. Charging more exposes the landlord to up to 3 times the extra amount charged plus reasonable attorney's fees. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(b), confirmed 2026-10). Returning the deposit: Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, return the deposit with accrued interest (the greater of the daily U.S. Treasury 1-year yield or 1.5%/year) less any rightfully withheld amount; if withholding, mail a written list of damages with an itemized cost statement within 45 days. Unreasonable failure exposes the landlord to up to THREE times the withheld amount plus attorney fees; no itemized statement forfeits the right to withhold. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203, confirmed 2026-07).
How Maryland treats the landlord's core obligations
Late fees: A lease may not impose a late-payment penalty exceeding 5% of the unpaid rent due for the rental period for which the payment is delinquent; for weekly rent installments, no more than $3 per week and no more than $12 total per month. No statutory grace period. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(3), confirmed 2026-10). Application fees: Not a hard cap: if a landlord requires an application fee (other than a security deposit) exceeding $25, the landlord must return the portion not actually expended on the application (e.g., credit check) within 15 days after occupancy or after written notice that no tenancy will occur; failure exposes the landlord to twice the fee in damages. Fees of $25 or less may be kept. Exempt: landlords offering 4 or fewer dwelling units on one parcel/location, and seasonal/condominium rentals. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-213(b)-(c), confirmed 2026-10).
Nonpayment notice: Before filing a failure-to-pay-rent complaint, the landlord must give the tenant written notice of intent to file in District Court if the tenant does not cure within 10 days after the notice is provided. The notice must be on the Maryland Judiciary form (DC-CV-115) and be sent by first-class mail with certificate of mailing, affixed to the door, or (if the tenant elected) sent electronically; the complaint must affirm the date notice was provided. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-401(c), confirmed 2026-10). Rent increases: Written notice of a rent increase is required: at least 90 days in advance for a tenancy with a term longer than 1 month; at least 60 days for a term longer than 1 week but not more than 1 month (month-to-month); for a term of 1 week or less, 7 days with a written lease or 21 days without. Does not supersede local laws requiring more notice. No statewide rent cap (local caps exist, e.g., Montgomery County and Takoma Park — not verified this session). (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-209, confirmed 2026-10). Ending a month-to-month tenancy: Landlord must give written notice of intent to terminate: month-to-month (or any written lease term longer than a week up to a month) — 60 days before the expiration of the tenancy; year-to-year — 90 days before the end of the current year (180 days for non-tobacco farm tenancies); week-to-week — 7 days with a written lease, 21 days without. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402(c)(2), confirmed 2026-10). Entry: Written notice at least 24 hours in advance, stating the approximate date and time and the specific purpose of entry; entry is limited to 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, unless the tenant agrees in writing to another time. No notice is required in an emergency to protect property or occupants. Enacted by HB 1076 (2025, ch. 564), effective Oct 1, 2025. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-221, confirmed 2026-10).
Maryland has no statewide rent regulation on file, so any cap on increases would come from a local ordinance. Source-of-income protection is on file statewide, so voucher and benefit income must be treated like any other lawful income in screening and advertising. Card surcharges on rent: allowed within card-network limits. Managing property for others for compensation generally requires a state license: State real estate broker license required for property management for others — confirm with state commission.
Security deposits
What Maryland allows a landlord to collect up front, how it must be held, and the deadline and paperwork for returning it.
Security deposit limit
Source-confirmed 2026-10
A landlord may not impose a security deposit exceeding the equivalent of 1 month's rent per dwelling unit, regardless of the number of tenants. Exception: up to 2 months' rent if the tenant qualifies for DHS utility assistance, the lease requires the tenant to pay utilities to the landlord, and both agree in writing. Charging more exposes the landlord to up to 3 times the extra amount charged plus reasonable attorney's fees.
“a landlord may not impose a security deposit in excess of the equivalent of 1 month's rent per dwelling unit”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Penalty text on the same page: 'the tenant may recover up to three times the extra amount charged, plus reasonable attorney's fees.' The 1-month cap replaced the former 2-month cap (Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024).
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “2× monthly rent”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The maximum a landlord may collect up front as security against unpaid rent or damage, usually expressed as a multiple of one month's rent. Separate pet, key or cleaning deposits often count toward the same limit.
Deposit return deadline
Source-confirmed 2026-07
Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, return the deposit with accrued interest (the greater of the daily U.S. Treasury 1-year yield or 1.5%/year) less any rightfully withheld amount; if withholding, mail a written list of damages with an itemized cost statement within 45 days. Unreasonable failure exposes the landlord to up to THREE times the withheld amount plus attorney fees; no itemized statement forfeits the right to withhold.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “45 days after move-out”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The window after the tenant vacates in which the landlord must refund the deposit or deliver an itemized statement of deductions. Missing the deadline is the most common way a landlord forfeits the right to keep any part of the deposit.
Separate pet deposit
Source-confirmed 2026-10
No statute authorizes or prohibits a separate pet deposit, but 'security deposit' means any payment of money given to protect the landlord against nonpayment or damage to the premises (Real Prop. § 8-203(a)(3)), so a refundable pet deposit is a security deposit and the combined total may not exceed one month's rent per dwelling unit regardless of the number of tenants (§ 8-203(b)(1)); a tenant may recover up to three times the excess plus attorney's fees (§ 8-203(b)(3)). Exception: up to two months' rent where the tenant receives DHS utility assistance, pays utilities to the landlord, and agrees in writing (§ 8-203(b)(2)).
“Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a landlord may not impose a security deposit in excess of the equivalent of 1 month's rent per dwelling unit, regardless of the number of tenants.”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “Permitted”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
Whether a refundable pet deposit can be collected on top of the security deposit. Even where it is permitted, the combined amount usually has to stay inside the overall deposit limit.
In practice
• Hold the deposit the way the statute requires (separate or escrow account where applicable) and record the account in the file.
• Document move-in condition with a dated, photographed inventory the tenant can sign; it is the only evidence that supports a later deduction.
• Send the itemized statement and any refund by a trackable method, and keep the receipts or estimates behind every deduction.
Rent, late fees and application fees
The fees a Maryland lease can charge, the statutory ceilings that override the lease, and whether rent increases are regulated statewide.
Late fees
Source-confirmed 2026-10
A lease may not impose a late-payment penalty exceeding 5% of the unpaid rent due for the rental period for which the payment is delinquent; for weekly rent installments, no more than $3 per week and no more than $12 total per month. No statutory grace period.
“Provides for a penalty for the late payment of rent in excess of 5% of the amount of unpaid rent due for the rental period for which the payment was delinquent”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “Capped at 5% of monthly rent”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
Any statutory ceiling on the fee for late rent and any mandatory grace period before it can be charged. Where there is no statutory cap, courts still strike fees they find punitive rather than a reasonable estimate of the landlord's cost.
Application fee limit
Source-confirmed 2026-10
Not a hard cap: if a landlord requires an application fee (other than a security deposit) exceeding $25, the landlord must return the portion not actually expended on the application (e.g., credit check) within 15 days after occupancy or after written notice that no tenancy will occur; failure exposes the landlord to twice the fee in damages. Fees of $25 or less may be kept. Exempt: landlords offering 4 or fewer dwelling units on one parcel/location, and seasonal/condominium rentals.
“shall return that portion of the fees not actually expended on behalf of the tenant making application”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Same page: trigger is where 'these fees exceed $25'; return due 'not later than 15 days following the date of occupancy'; penalty 'liable for twice the amount of the fees in damages'; exemption for 'four or less dwelling units for rent on one parcel of property or at one location'.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “$25”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
A cap on what an applicant can be charged to apply, sometimes limited to the actual cost of screening and sometimes prohibited outright. Fee receipts and refund rules usually travel with the cap.
Statewide rent regulation
Source-confirmed 2026-10
Posture (c): no statewide rent cap; rent stabilization is a local option. Real Prop. § 8-209.1 presupposes that a county or municipality may adopt 'a local law to limit the rent increase that a landlord may charge a current tenant' and requires the locality to report the law and subsequent multifamily permit counts to the General Assembly, while § 8-209.1(e) states the section itself does not authorize such laws (authority rests on local home-rule powers). The Department of Legislative Services confirms 'Local jurisdictions in Maryland have authority to enact rent stabilization (rent-control) laws' (Takoma Park, College Park, Montgomery County examples). Statewide rent-increase notice: 90 days for tenancies longer than one month (§ 8-209).
“This section applies to a local jurisdiction that adopts a local law to limit the rent increase that a landlord may charge a current tenant for a subsequent term without a gap in tenancy.”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
§ 8-209.1(e): 'This section may not be construed to authorize a local jurisdiction to adopt a local law to limit rent increases that may be charged to a current tenant.' DLS fiscal notes: HB 1407 (2014) https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2014RS/fnotes/bil_0007/hb1407.pdf ('Local jurisdictions in Maryland have authority to enact rent stabilization (rent-control) laws'); HB 1497 (2026) https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/fnotes/bil_0007/hb1497.pdf ('Current Law: There is no statewide rent stabilization law.'). HB 1497 (Charles County senior rent-increase limit, new § 8-209.2) passed both chambers;
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “No statewide rent regulation (check local ordinances)”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
Whether a statewide law caps annual rent increases or whether rent control exists for covered units. Local ordinances can add limits even where the state has none.
In practice
• State the late fee, the grace period and the application fee in the lease in dollars or a clear percentage; a fee that is not in the lease is rarely enforceable.
• Never charge above the statutory cap even when the lease says more; the excess is unenforceable and can expose the landlord to penalties.
• Keep fee calculations in the ledger so a tenant, a court or an auditor can reproduce them from the rent roll.
Notices, rent increases and termination
How much written notice Maryland requires before a rent increase, before ending a month-to-month tenancy, and before filing for nonpayment.
Rent-increase notice
Source-confirmed 2026-10
Written notice of a rent increase is required: at least 90 days in advance for a tenancy with a term longer than 1 month; at least 60 days for a term longer than 1 week but not more than 1 month (month-to-month); for a term of 1 week or less, 7 days with a written lease or 21 days without. Does not supersede local laws requiring more notice. No statewide rent cap (local caps exist, e.g., Montgomery County and Takoma Park — not verified this session).
“at least 60 days in advance of the rent increase”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Same page: 'at least 90 days in advance of the rent increase' for terms longer than 1 month; 'This section does not affect or supersede any local law or ordinance that requires additional notice'. The AG guide (Rev. Feb 2025) restates the same 90/60/21/7 ladder.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “60 days”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The written notice a landlord must give before a rent increase takes effect on a periodic (month-to-month) tenancy. Fixed-term leases generally cannot be changed mid-term.
Month-to-month termination notice
Source-confirmed 2026-10
Landlord must give written notice of intent to terminate: month-to-month (or any written lease term longer than a week up to a month) — 60 days before the expiration of the tenancy; year-to-year — 90 days before the end of the current year (180 days for non-tobacco farm tenancies); week-to-week — 7 days with a written lease, 21 days without.
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Baltimore City and Montgomery County have separate local notice rules; the statute excludes them from certain subsections (c)(3)-(4) — verify locally.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “60 days”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The notice a landlord must give to end a periodic tenancy without cause. Some jurisdictions require longer notice for long-term tenants or require a stated cause.
Pay-or-quit notice
Source-confirmed 2026-10
Before filing a failure-to-pay-rent complaint, the landlord must give the tenant written notice of intent to file in District Court if the tenant does not cure within 10 days after the notice is provided. The notice must be on the Maryland Judiciary form (DC-CV-115) and be sent by first-class mail with certificate of mailing, affixed to the door, or (if the tenant elected) sent electronically; the complaint must affirm the date notice was provided.
“to recover possession of the residential premises if the tenant does not cure within 10 days after the written notice is provided to the tenant.”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “10 days”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The notice a tenant must receive for nonpayment before the landlord can file for possession, and the time the tenant has to pay in full and cure. This is the step most often done wrong in an eviction.
In practice
• Serve notices in the form and by the method the statute names, and keep proof of service with the dated notice.
• Count notice periods the way the statute counts them (calendar days, business days, or "before the next rent due date") and build in a margin.
• Treat a notice to a possibly rent-regulated or subsidized unit as a legal check, because longer periods and extra content requirements usually apply.
Landlord entry
When a Maryland landlord may enter an occupied unit and how much notice the tenant must receive.
Non-emergency entry notice
Source-confirmed 2026-10
Written notice at least 24 hours in advance, stating the approximate date and time and the specific purpose of entry; entry is limited to 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, unless the tenant agrees in writing to another time. No notice is required in an emergency to protect property or occupants. Enacted by HB 1076 (2025, ch. 564), effective Oct 1, 2025.
Notice may be mailed first-class with certificate of mailing (if it arrives 24h ahead), affixed to the door, or sent electronically if the tenant elected electronic notice. A tenant may agree in writing to shorter notice.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “Reasonable notice”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The advance notice required before a landlord enters an occupied unit for repairs, inspections or showings. Emergencies are the usual exception.
In practice
• Give written notice with the date, a reasonable time window and the purpose, and log the entry afterwards.
• Emergencies are the only common exception; document what made the entry urgent.
• A pattern of unannounced entries is a common basis for tenant complaints and counterclaims.
Payments, fair housing and licensing
Operational rules that sit outside the landlord-tenant act but decide how rent can be collected, who can be screened out, and who may manage for others.
Card surcharges on rent
Allowed within card-network limits
Returned-payment (NSF) fee
No statewide statutory cap on file
Source-of-income protection
Protected statewide
Local ordinances can extend protection beyond the statewide rule.
Property-management licensing
License generally required to manage for others
State real estate broker license required for property management for others — confirm with state commission.
Compliance posture values are reference data compiled from public statutes and are not source-confirmed line by line. Confirm with the state agency before relying on them.
Maryland next to its neighbors
Own units on both sides of a state line? These are the reference values for every bordering jurisdiction. Open a state to see which values carry a citation.
Federal and state disclosures Aptoria's lease workflow surfaces for Maryland. This is a working checklist from public sources, not a complete legal inventory for a specific property.
• Lead-based paint hazards (pre-1978 housing) — EPA Pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home"
• Lead registration certificate (pre-1978)
• Habitability checklist
Official sources
Primary sources a Maryland landlord should bookmark. Each link was fetched and read during the October 2026 review; the binding text is always the current official version.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maryland?
A landlord may not impose a security deposit exceeding the equivalent of 1 month's rent per dwelling unit, regardless of the number of tenants. Exception: up to 2 months' rent if the tenant qualifies for DHS utility assistance, the lease requires the tenant to pay utilities to the landlord, and both agree in writing. Charging more exposes the landlord to up to 3 times the extra amount charged plus reasonable attorney's fees. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(b), confirmed 2026-10).
How long does a Maryland landlord have to return the security deposit?
Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, return the deposit with accrued interest (the greater of the daily U.S. Treasury 1-year yield or 1.5%/year) less any rightfully withheld amount; if withholding, mail a written list of damages with an itemized cost statement within 45 days. Unreasonable failure exposes the landlord to up to THREE times the withheld amount plus attorney fees; no itemized statement forfeits the right to withhold. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203, confirmed 2026-07).
What is the maximum late fee in Maryland?
A lease may not impose a late-payment penalty exceeding 5% of the unpaid rent due for the rental period for which the payment is delinquent; for weekly rent installments, no more than $3 per week and no more than $12 total per month. No statutory grace period. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(3), confirmed 2026-10).
How many days does a Maryland pay-or-quit notice give the tenant?
Before filing a failure-to-pay-rent complaint, the landlord must give the tenant written notice of intent to file in District Court if the tenant does not cure within 10 days after the notice is provided. The notice must be on the Maryland Judiciary form (DC-CV-115) and be sent by first-class mail with certificate of mailing, affixed to the door, or (if the tenant elected) sent electronically; the complaint must affirm the date notice was provided. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-401(c), confirmed 2026-10).
How much notice must a Maryland landlord give before entering?
Written notice at least 24 hours in advance, stating the approximate date and time and the specific purpose of entry; entry is limited to 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, unless the tenant agrees in writing to another time. No notice is required in an emergency to protect property or occupants. Enacted by HB 1076 (2025, ch. 564), effective Oct 1, 2025. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-221, confirmed 2026-10).
How much notice is required to raise rent in Maryland?
Written notice of a rent increase is required: at least 90 days in advance for a tenancy with a term longer than 1 month; at least 60 days for a term longer than 1 week but not more than 1 month (month-to-month); for a term of 1 week or less, 7 days with a written lease or 21 days without. Does not supersede local laws requiring more notice. No statewide rent cap (local caps exist, e.g., Montgomery County and Takoma Park — not verified this session). (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-209, confirmed 2026-10).
How much notice is required to end a month-to-month tenancy in Maryland?
Landlord must give written notice of intent to terminate: month-to-month (or any written lease term longer than a week up to a month) — 60 days before the expiration of the tenancy; year-to-year — 90 days before the end of the current year (180 days for non-tobacco farm tenancies); week-to-week — 7 days with a written lease, 21 days without. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402(c)(2), confirmed 2026-10).
Does Maryland have statewide rent control?
No statewide rent regulation is on file for Maryland. Local ordinances can still limit increases, so check the city or county where the unit sits before setting a renewal rent.
Is source of income a protected class in Maryland?
Statewide source-of-income protection is on file for Maryland. Screening criteria, advertising and income calculations must treat vouchers and benefit income like other lawful income. Local rules can add further protections.
Can a Maryland landlord add a surcharge for paying rent by card?
Allowed within card-network limits. Where a surcharge is allowed, it must still follow card-network rules and be disclosed before payment.
How this page was verified
Every rule is shown in one of two states. “Source-confirmed” means an editor opened the official statute page named next to the rule on the date shown, read the controlling text, and recorded the excerpt you see; the excerpt is quoted verbatim so you can check it. “Reference value” means Aptoria's compliance engine applies a conservative number for this rule, but nobody has yet tied it to a specific statute section on this page, so it must be checked before you rely on it.
This page meets Aptoria's evidence floor for publication (10 source-confirmed rules and 7 fetched official sources). Statutes change; local ordinances can be stricter; the facts of a tenancy change the result.