Maryland Landlord Responsibilities for Rental Repairs

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Maryland, it’s important to understand your rights and your landlord’s legal responsibilities when it comes to maintenance and repairs. Maryland law gives renters specific protections to ensure that rented homes meet health and safety standards. This article explains what your landlord must repair, how to request repairs, the official forms involved, and what steps you can take if problems are not fixed.

What Must Landlords Repair in Maryland?

Maryland landlords are required by law to keep rental properties safe, sanitary, and fit for human habitation. This is known as the “warranty of habitability.” Under the Maryland Real Property Code Section 8-211, landlords must make repairs that affect health and safety or violate housing codes.

• Keep plumbing, heating, and electrical systems in good working order
• Fix leaks, broken windows and doors, and pest infestations
• Ensure proper sanitation of common areas
• Repair structural damages like roof leaks or unsafe floors

Landlords do not have to fix damage caused by the tenant, or minor cosmetic issues that don't impact safety or health.

How to Request Repairs

If your rental needs repairs, always notify your landlord in writing. This creates a record of your request and triggers their obligation to respond. Maryland law recommends written notice even if you have already spoken to your landlord.

Sample Official Form: Notice of Defect (Tenant’s Repair Request)

• Form Name: No official statewide repair request form, but a "Written Notice of Defect" as outlined in Maryland Real Property Code §8-211
• When to use: If you have a problem affecting health or safety (like heat isn't working or there's a leak), send a written notice describing the issue and ask for repair.
• How it's used (example): You send an email or letter stating, "On March 5th, I noticed water leaking from the bathroom ceiling. Please repair this as soon as possible."

Keep a copy of your notice. If your landlord doesn’t act within a ‘reasonable time’ (generally 30 days, or less in emergencies), you may have further options.

What If the Landlord Doesn’t Make Repairs?

If your landlord fails to fix serious problems, you have rights under Maryland’s “rent escrow” law. This process allows you to pay your rent to the local District Court instead of the landlord until repairs are made.

Rent Escrow: Filing with the Maryland District Court

• Form Name: Complaint for Rent Escrow (Form DC-CV-083)
• When to use: If your landlord does not fix a condition that is hazardous to life, health, or safety after written notice.
• How it's used (example): You complete Form DC-CV-083 and file it at your local District Court. The court will set a hearing to decide if you can pay rent into escrow until repairs are finished.
  Find your local Maryland District Court branch.

Tenants cannot legally withhold rent or "repair and deduct" in Maryland except through the official rent escrow process. Always follow the formal steps to protect your rights.

Understanding the Law: Maryland Real Property Code

All tenant and landlord obligations are set by the Maryland Real Property Code Section 8-211. For complete and up-to-date details, review the full Maryland landlord-tenant law. If you have questions, the Maryland Judiciary's landlord-tenant portal is the main government resource.

FAQ: Maryland Rental Repairs and Landlord Duties

1. What counts as an emergency repair in Maryland?
   Any repair that affects health and safety—like no heat in winter, sewage leaks, or broken locks—should be treated as an emergency under Maryland law.
2. How do I document a repair request?
   Put your request in writing and keep a copy, either by email or letter. Be specific about the problem and the date you requested the repair.
3. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t made?
   No. In Maryland, you must use "rent escrow" through the District Court if you want to pay rent elsewhere due to major repair problems.
4. What agency can I contact if repairs are ignored?
   You can contact the Maryland District Court landlord-tenant division for rent escrow, or your local county housing inspector for code violations.
5. Does my landlord have to fix mold or pests?
   Yes, if they affect health or safety. Report mold, pests, or other code issues with clear documentation.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• Maryland law requires landlords to maintain rental homes in safe, livable condition.
• Always request repairs in writing and keep a record.
• Serious unresolved problems may allow you to pay rent into escrow with the Maryland District Court, but never withhold rent on your own.

If you face ongoing habitability issues, know your rights and use official channels for a safer home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Division: Handles rent escrow, repairs disputes, and legal forms
• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development: Renter rights and complaints resources
• Maryland Legal Aid – Rent Escrow Guide
• For local building code enforcement, contact your city or county’s housing department

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1. Maryland Real Property Code §8-211 – Warranty of Habitability
2. Maryland District Court Form DC-CV-083 – Complaint for Rent Escrow
3. Maryland Judiciary Landlord-Tenant Portal
4. Maryland Department of Housing – Renters’ Rights

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