Adding a Roommate to Your Lease in Maryland: A Guide

If you’re renting in Maryland and want to bring in a roommate, it’s important to know how to properly add them to your lease. Doing so can protect both you and your new housemate, help avoid disputes with your landlord, and ensure everyone’s rights are respected under Maryland law.

Understanding Your Lease and Maryland Tenant Law

Before inviting a friend or family member to share your rental home, review your current lease agreement. Most leases in Maryland have clear terms regarding occupancy and the process for adding, removing, or substituting tenants. Maryland rental laws, including the Maryland Code, Real Property Title 8, govern the rights of tenants and landlords in these situations.^[1]

Why Add a Roommate to Your Lease?

• Ensures everyone is legally recognized and responsible for the unit
• Protects your deposit and rights if disputes arise
• Makes rent payment obligations clear for all parties

Failing to officially add a roommate could result in lease violations, risking eviction or other legal issues.

Landlord Approval and Common Lease Requirements

Most Maryland leases require written landlord approval before adding a new occupant. Always communicate early with your landlord or property manager. Typically, you may need to:

• Submit a written request to your landlord
• Provide information about the prospective roommate (such as name, contact, and ID)
• Complete a rental application and undergo background or credit checks, as required by the landlord’s policy

Your landlord cannot unreasonably refuse consent, but they can set reasonable requirements (like income or background checks). Careful communication helps maintain a good relationship with your landlord.

Required Forms and Official Processes in Maryland

While Maryland does not have a single statewide government form for adding a roommate, most landlords use their own documents. However, here’s how it usually works:

• Lease Addendum: Often called an "Addendum to Lease" or "Roommate Agreement Addendum," this document is prepared by the landlord or property manager. It officially lists your new roommate and updates rental responsibilities.
• Rental Application: Your landlord may require your roommate to complete a new rental application. This is not a state form, but your landlord should provide it.

For example, if your roommate is joining your current lease in Baltimore, your landlord may ask them to fill out a rental application and then sign a lease addendum reflecting the update.

For matters of tenancy disputes or unresolved issues, the Maryland District Court (Landlord-Tenant Division) handles residential tenancies across the state.^[2]

Step-by-Step: How to Add a Roommate in Maryland

Here are simple steps you can follow to add a roommate to your lease:

• Check your lease for any specific roommate policies or restrictions
• Talk to your landlord or property manager about your intention
• Have your prospective roommate complete any required application or screening process
• Ask your landlord for a lease addendum or updated lease. Ensure both you and your roommate sign this document
• Keep a signed copy of all forms for your records

Official Legislation and Resources

• Maryland Code, Real Property Title 8
• Maryland District Court: Landlord-Tenant Self-Help
• Maryland Attorney General: Guide to Landlord-Tenant Rights

FAQs: Maryland Roommate and Lease Rules

1. Can my landlord deny my request to add a roommate in Maryland?
   Your landlord can set reasonable requirements or screening standards, but they cannot unfairly deny a request if your lease allows roommates and the new person meets reasonable criteria.
2. What happens if I add a roommate without landlord approval?
   Adding someone without permission may violate your lease and could result in eviction or other penalties under Maryland law.
3. Does my roommate have tenant rights if they’re not on the lease?
   Generally, only people named on the lease have full tenant rights. Unlisted roommates may have limited rights and legal protections.
4. Is there an official Maryland government form for adding a roommate?
   No, there’s no official state form, but your landlord should provide a lease addendum or rental application for the new occupant.
5. Can my landlord increase rent if I add a roommate?
   Some leases allow rent increases for additional occupants. Review your lease and discuss any changes with your landlord before finalizing arrangements.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Maryland Renters

• Always seek written landlord approval and update your lease to include a new roommate
• Use the proper rental application and ask for a lease addendum
• Consult Maryland resources or legal support for issues or if your landlord refuses unreasonably

Following Maryland laws and official processes helps protect your rights and avoid disputes with your landlord or new roommate.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland District Court: Landlord-Tenant Division – dispute resolution and tenant applications
• Maryland Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant Rights Guide
• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development – housing assistance and programs

---

1. Maryland Code, Real Property Title 8: Tenant and Landlord Law
2. Maryland District Court – Landlord-Tenant Division

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations