Maryland Renters: How to Handle Apartment Pest Problems

Pest infestations—such as bed bugs, cockroaches, or rodents—can create health hazards and discomfort for renters in Maryland. Understanding your rights and how to get your landlord to resolve pest issues is important for a safe home. Maryland law requires landlords to provide habitable housing, and that includes dealing with serious pest problems promptly. This guide explains your legal protections, what steps you can take, and what official resources are available to help you.

Your Right to Safe and Healthy Housing in Maryland

Every renter in Maryland has a right to live in a unit that meets "fit and habitable" standards. This means a property that is:

• Free from dangerous conditions, including major pest infestations
• Compliant with local and state health and safety laws
• Regularly maintained by the landlord

The main law protecting renters in Maryland is the Maryland Real Property Code, Section 8-211: Repair of Dangerous Defects¹. Local health or housing codes may offer additional protections.

Who Is Responsible for Pest Control?

In most cases, the landlord is responsible for keeping the rental property free of pest infestations, especially when they are not caused by the tenant's behavior. This responsibility includes:

• Regularly inspecting and maintaining common areas
• Addressing any complaints about pests in a timely manner
• Following health department directives for treatment and remediation

Tenants must also do their part by keeping their home reasonably clean and reporting pest issues quickly.

Steps to Take if You Have a Pest Infestation

If you find pests in your Maryland apartment, here are the steps to protect your rights and health:

• Document the problem: Take photos, note dates, and keep evidence of the pests.
• Notify your landlord in writing: Send a dated letter or email describing the infestation and requesting repairs.
• Give your landlord a reasonable time to respond and fix it.
• If unresolved, contact your county or city housing or health department to request an inspection.
• If the problem persists, consider using the "rent escrow" process in the District Court of Maryland to have repairs done.

Tip: Always keep copies of any communications or reports you send and receive from your landlord or local officials.

Filing a Rent Escrow Case for Repairs

Maryland law allows renters to file a "rent escrow" case if their unit has serious health or safety defects the landlord does not fix—such as a major pest infestation.

Using the Rent Escrow Form

• Official form: Maryland District Court - Complaint for Rent Escrow (DC-CV-083)
• Use when: The landlord fails to resolve a serious infestation after proper notice
• How: File the form with your local Maryland District Court. You can download the Complaint for Rent Escrow (DC-CV-083) from the Maryland Courts website.

Example: If you notified your landlord about bed bugs and no action is taken, you may file Form DC-CV-083 to ask the court to let you pay your rent into escrow until the problem is fixed. The court may also order your landlord to make repairs.

Which Tribunal Handles Tenant Complaints?

Residential rental disputes are heard by the Maryland District Court. This is where you file "rent escrow" actions and other housing-related cases.

Additional Steps and Helpful Tips

Before taking legal action, consider these additional tips:

• Check if your local health department has a complaint process (for example, find your county’s health office).
• Review your lease for any pest-related clauses.
• Do not stop paying rent without following the "rent escrow" process, as this can risk eviction.

FAQ: Maryland Renters & Pest Infestations

1. Who is responsible for paying for pest control in a Maryland rental?
   In most cases, landlords must pay to resolve pest infestations, unless the problem is clearly due to tenant negligence (like leaving food out or failing to dispose of trash).
2. What should I do if my landlord ignores my pest complaint?
   Document your request, contact your local health or housing authority for an inspection, and consider using the District Court's rent escrow process if the problem continues.
3. Can I withhold rent if there are bed bugs or other pests?
   You cannot legally withhold rent unless you follow Maryland's rent escrow procedures through District Court. Withholding rent without court approval puts you at risk of eviction.
4. Is there a time limit for a landlord to fix pest infestations?
   Landlords must act within a "reasonable" period, but there is no strict number of days set by law. Acting quickly in writing and involving local authorities helps build your case if you go to court.
5. How do I file a rent escrow case?
   Complete the Complaint for Rent Escrow (DC-CV-083), gather your evidence, and file it at your county’s Maryland District Court location.

Key Takeaways for Maryland Renters

• You have the right to a pest-free, habitable rental unit under Maryland law.
• Always put pest complaints in writing and keep documentation.
• If issues are unresolved, you can seek help from local authorities or the Maryland District Court’s rent escrow process.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland District Court Locations – For filing rent escrow cases and tenant complaints
• Complaint for Rent Escrow (DC-CV-083) – Official form for unresolved repairs
• Maryland Real Property Code § 8-211 – Full text of the law on repairs and habitability
• Maryland Local Health Departments – For pest inspection and local complaints

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1. Maryland Real Property Code § 8-211 - Repair of Dangerous Defects, Maryland General Assembly
2. Maryland District Court - Housing Cases
3. Complaint for Rent Escrow (DC-CV-083) - Maryland Courts
4. Maryland Department of Health - Local Offices

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