Maryland Hotel and Motel Renters’ Rights: What Tenants Need to Know

If you’re living in a hotel or motel in Maryland, you may wonder whether you have the same renters’ rights as those in apartments or houses. The laws for hotel and motel guests in Maryland are different from standard leases and can affect your eviction protections, notice requirements, and what to do if there’s a problem with your room or charges. This guide explores your rights and what steps to take if you’re facing an issue while staying in a hotel or motel in Maryland.

When Are Hotel and Motel Guests Considered "Tenants" in Maryland?

Not everyone staying at a hotel or motel is considered a “tenant” under Maryland law. Usually, short-term guests (those staying less than 90 consecutive days) are considered “transient guests” and do not have the legal protections that apply to rental housing tenants.

• If you have stayed longer than 90 consecutive days and have paid daily, weekly, or monthly, you gain certain rights similar to traditional tenants.
• Hotels and motels can ask you to leave for any legal reason before you reach 90 days, usually without notice or a court process.
• Special rules may apply for government-funded or subsidized stays. Check with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for specific program details.

For more information, review the Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-110.

Eviction Rules for Long-Term Hotel or Motel Residents

After 90 consecutive days, Maryland treats hotel/motel residents as tenants, which means the landlord (hotel/motel) must follow legal eviction steps. Key points include:

• You cannot be locked out or have your belongings taken without a court order after 90 days.
• The hotel/motel must serve a written notice to vacate following rules under Maryland law.
• If you refuse to leave after proper notice, the hotel/motel must file an eviction with the local District Court.

To respond to an eviction, you may be required to attend a court hearing. You can learn about Maryland’s official eviction process and tenant rights on the Maryland Courts Landlord-Tenant Legal Help page.

Special Circumstances for Short-Term Stays

If you’ve stayed less than 90 days, hotel/motel owners do not need to follow landlord-tenant laws. They can ask you to leave (and even call law enforcement if necessary) without a court process. This is meant to allow hotels to operate as short-term lodging and not long-term housing.

Relevant Forms for Maryland Hotel/Motel Tenants

• Failure to Pay Rent/Complaint Form (DC-CV-082): Used when a landlord seeks to evict a long-term hotel/motel guest who has not paid rent.
  Example: After 90 days at a motel, you are behind on payments and receive notice. The motel files this form to start an eviction. Download the official DC-CV-082 form from the Maryland Courts.
• Tenant’s Counter-Complaint/Written Defense: Allows tenants to explain their situation to the court, such as if repairs were not made or rent was improperly charged.
  Example: You wish to explain to the court that you withheld rent because important repairs were not made. Bring a written defense to your hearing or submit it to the District Court clerk as instructed. Learn about your right to appear at the hearing on the Landlord-Tenant Help page.

Always use official District Court forms and check your county’s requirements, as some locations may have different procedures.

Your Rights to Services, Repairs, and Privacy

As a hotel or motel tenant past 90 days, you have a right to:

• Habitable living conditions (heat, water, basic repairs—see Maryland Renter Protections)
• Notice before most entries except in emergency situations
• Protection from lockouts or removal without a court order

If urgent repairs are needed, notify management in writing and keep a copy. If unaddressed, you can raise the issue in your written defense to the court if facing eviction for not paying rent.

Who Handles Hotel and Motel Tenant Disputes in Maryland?

Disputes between hotel/motel landlords and long-term residents are handled by the Maryland District Court. This court oversees most residential landlord-tenant matters. You can find your local court using the District Court directory.

The main legislation governing your rights is Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-110.

FAQ: Maryland Hotel and Motel Tenancy Rules

1. Do hotel or motel “guests” have any renters’ rights in Maryland?
   Most short-term stays (under 90 days) are not protected by renter laws. Stays longer than 90 consecutive days are considered a tenancy, giving you protections against lockout or sudden removal.
2. How do I stop a hotel or motel from evicting me without notice?
   After 90 days, you cannot be removed without proper written notice and a court order. If under 90 days, standard landlord-tenant protections may not apply.
3. What should I do if my room has serious repair issues?
   Report repairs in writing to management. If you’re a tenant, you may use this as a defense if an eviction case is filed against you for nonpayment.
4. Does the hotel/motel have to go to court to evict me after 90 days?
   Yes. After 90 days’ occupancy, a court order is required before you can be evicted.
5. Where do I file a complaint about illegal eviction from a hotel or motel?
   Contact your local Maryland District Court and seek assistance or file a tenant complaint there.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Short-term hotel/motel guests (<90 days) are not covered by most tenant protections.
• Staying 90+ consecutive days makes you a “tenant,” requiring court-ordered eviction in Maryland.
• Seek help from the Maryland District Court or legal aid if you face eviction without proper notice or court process.

It's important to know where you stand as a hotel or motel renter in Maryland. Understanding the 90-day rule and your rights to notice and repairs can help protect you from unfair eviction or substandard living conditions.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland District Court (handles hotel/motel tenancy matters)
• Landlord-Tenant Legal Help from the Maryland Courts
• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development – Renter Resources
• Maryland Attorney General: Tenants' Rights

---

1. Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-110
2. Maryland District Court: Landlord-Tenant Resources
3. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development: About Renting
4. DC-CV-082 Failure to Pay Rent Complaint Form

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