Maryland Emergency Maintenance Hotline Rules for Renters

Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Maryland published: June 21, 2025

Whether you’re facing a burst pipe in the middle of the night or suddenly lose heat during a Maryland winter, knowing your rights around emergency maintenance is essential. Maryland law offers renters certain protections around emergency repairs, including access to maintenance support after office hours. This guide explains these protections, hotline rules, how to respond to urgent issues, and where to seek official help.

What Qualifies as an Emergency Maintenance Issue?

Emergency maintenance refers to problems that threaten your health, safety, or basic living conditions. Common emergencies include:

No heat during cold weather (October 1–April 30)
Exposed electrical wiring or power outage in your unit
Burst water pipes or flooding
Broken locks, doors, or windows compromising security
Sewage backups

Routine repairs (like dripping faucets or minor appliance issues) do not count as emergencies and may not qualify for after-hours assistance.

Are Landlords Required to Have an After-Hours Emergency Hotline in Maryland?

While Maryland state law does not explicitly require all landlords to operate a 24/7 emergency maintenance hotline, landlords must maintain the property in a safe and habitable condition at all times. Many counties and cities across Maryland have local ordinances that require an accessible point of contact for urgent repairs. For example, Prince George’s County Code § 13-175(a) requires landlords of multi-family units to provide a telephone number for emergency maintenance covered by local regulations.¹ Baltimore City also sets requirements for prompt emergency repair response (Baltimore City Building, Fire and Related Codes, § 116).

If you rent in a large apartment complex or a building with on-site management, there will typically be an after-hours emergency number posted in common areas or on your lease documents.

How to Find Out Your Building's Emergency Maintenance Procedures

Look for emergency contact details in your lease or tenant handbook.
Check public boards in your building or ask your property manager.
Contact your local housing authority for specific requirements in your jurisdiction. For example, Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development.

Your Rights: What Can You Do if There's No Emergency Response?

Maryland’s Real Property Article §8-211 (Tenant's Right to Repairs) protects renters whose landlords fail to make necessary repairs affecting health or safety. If you have an emergency—such as heat failure or dangerous conditions—and cannot reach property management through the hotline or other means, you have options:

Document the issue by taking photos and keeping communication records.
Notify the landlord in writing (by email or certified mail) as soon as possible, stating the urgent need for repair.
If your landlord does not respond promptly, you may file a complaint for rent escrow action with the district court to request repairs and/or withhold rent until repairs are made. See below for the required form and process.

Tip: In true emergencies (fire, gas leak, flooding), always call 911 first for immediate safety, then contact your landlord or property manager.

Official Form: Tenant’s Complaint for Rent Escrow (DC-CV-083)

If your landlord does not address a serious health or safety repair, Maryland law allows you to file a "Tenant’s Complaint for Rent Escrow" in district court. This process can require the landlord to complete the repairs and may let you pay rent into an escrow account until the work is finished.

Form Name: Tenant’s Complaint for Rent Escrow (Form DC-CV-083)
When to Use: Use this form if your landlord has not made necessary repairs that threaten your health or safety after you have properly notified them.
How to Use: Fill out the form, submit it in person or via Maryland Courts' online system, and provide proof of notice to your landlord. Access the official DC-CV-083 form (PDF).

Full instructions are available from Maryland Courts – Rent Escrow Help.

What Tribunal Handles Emergency Repair Disputes?

In Maryland, residential landlord-tenant complaints—including rent escrow actions—are handled by the Maryland District Court. This is the official body for resolving rental disputes, including emergency maintenance issues.

Relevant Maryland Tenant Legislation

Maryland Real Property Article §8-211 (Tenant's right to repairs and to withhold rent).
Check your local city or county codes for additional emergency repair requirements (available through local government websites).

FAQ: Emergency Maintenance Hotlines in Maryland

Are landlords legally required to provide a 24/7 emergency hotline in Maryland? Maryland law does not require all landlords to have a dedicated 24/7 hotline, but landlords must ensure urgent repairs can be reported and handled quickly. Local requirements may apply in your area.
What counts as an emergency repair under Maryland law? Emergencies typically include issues threatening life, safety, or health—loss of heat, broken locks, major water leaks, or hazardous electrical problems.
What can I do if my landlord refuses to address an emergency repair? Document the problem, notify your landlord in writing, and if needed, file a Tenant’s Complaint for Rent Escrow through the Maryland District Court.
How do I find my building's emergency maintenance contact information? Check your lease, tenant handbook, or building common areas. Contact your local housing authority if you cannot locate it.
Is rent escrow available if my emergency repair isn’t completed? Yes, Maryland's rent escrow law lets you request the court to allow payment of rent into an escrow account until repairs are made.

Key Takeaways for Maryland Renters

Landlords must address urgent repairs, even after hours, to protect your health and safety.
Renters can use the DC-CV-083 form to request court-ordered repairs if emergencies are not addressed.
Your local housing authority and Maryland District Court are your main resources for help with emergency maintenance issues.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Resources – Information and forms for renters and landlords.
Maryland Courts Rent Escrow Help – Step-by-step on filing for emergency repairs.
Maryland Emergency Hotlines – Numbers for fire, utilities, and safety emergencies.
Maryland Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant Rights
Contact your county’s Department of Housing or local code enforcement for additional guidance.

See Prince George’s County: Prince George’s County Housing Code §13-175(a)
Maryland Real Property Article §8-211
Tenant’s Complaint for Rent Escrow (DC-CV-083)
Baltimore City Rental Licensing Information