Maryland Month-to-Month Rental Agreements: Guide for Renters

Month-to-month rental agreements offer Maryland renters a flexible alternative to year-long leases, but come with unique pros and cons. Understanding your rights and the legal requirements under Maryland law can help you make informed housing decisions and respond confidently to changes proposed by your landlord.

What Is a Month-to-Month Rental Agreement?

A month-to-month agreement is a rental contract that automatically renews each month until ended by either the tenant or the landlord. Unlike a fixed-term lease, it does not have a set end date. These agreements, sometimes called periodic tenancies, operate under Maryland Real Property Code § 8-402.^[1]

Pros of Month-to-Month Renting for Maryland Tenants

If you're weighing your options, here are some reasons you might choose a month-to-month arrangement:

• Flexibility: Move out with proper notice if your circumstances change.
• No long-term commitment: Ideal if you're unsure how long you'll stay.
• Easy lease changes: Landlords can propose new terms (like rent increases), but must give advance written notice.

This flexibility benefits renters who value short-term arrangements or expect to relocate soon.

Cons of Month-to-Month Renting in Maryland

However, this flexibility can also bring uncertainty:

• Less stability: Your landlord can end your tenancy with proper notice, so you may have to relocate unexpectedly.
• Rent increases: Landlords can raise the rent, but must provide at least one rental period's written notice (usually 30 days for month-to-month).
• Potential short-notice endings: Finding new housing on short notice can be challenging, especially in competitive markets.

Weigh these factors carefully before entering into or renewing a month-to-month agreement.

How to End a Month-to-Month Rental: Notice Requirements

Either you or your landlord can end a month-to-month tenancy by giving written notice at least one full rental period in advance—typically 30 days. If your rent is paid monthly, this means at least 30 days' notice prior to the end of your rental period. You do not need to give a reason for moving out. All notices should be given in writing for your records.

Required Notice to Terminate Agreement

• Tenant’s Notice to Landlord: Provide written notice at least one month before the intended move-out date. For example, if rent is due on the 1st, your notice should be delivered by the 1st of the month.
• Landlord’s Notice to Tenant: Similar rules apply; landlords must give tenants at least one month’s written notice to terminate the agreement.

Key Forms for Maryland Renters in Month-to-Month Agreements

• Notice to Vacate (No official form number): Used by tenants to formally notify landlords of their intention to end a month-to-month rental.
  Example: If you find a new apartment, you can write a "Notice to Vacate" letter and deliver it at least 30 days before your move-out date. Sample tenant notice to vacate—Maryland People's Law Library.
• Notice of Increase of Rent (No official form number): Landlords must provide this written notice to change the rent amount.
  Example: If your landlord plans to increase rent, they must deliver this notice at least one rental period in advance. Official Maryland landlord-tenant guidance.

Forms should be delivered in writing. Keep copies of all correspondence for your protection.

Where to Find Help: Maryland Tenancy Tribunal and Legislation

Rental disputes and eviction cases are heard by the Maryland District Court, which oversees landlord-tenant issues statewide. Familiarize yourself with your rights under the Maryland Real Property Title 8, Landlord and Tenant law.^[2]

What to Do If You Face Eviction

If your landlord serves you notice to vacate and you believe it is not in accordance with the law or your lease, you may:

• Contact the Maryland District Court for guidance or to challenge the notice
• Reach out to local tenant advocacy groups
• Request written evidence and keep copies of all communication

FAQ: Maryland Month-to-Month Rental Agreements

1. Can my landlord end my month-to-month agreement without a reason?
   Yes. A landlord can terminate a month-to-month rental by giving at least one month’s written notice. No reason is necessary unless local laws require otherwise.
2. How much notice do I need to give my landlord to move out?
   You must provide at least one rental period's written notice (typically 30 days) before ending your tenancy.
3. Can my landlord increase my rent in a month-to-month agreement?
   Yes, but only after giving you written notice at least one month before the increase takes effect.
4. What happens if I don’t give proper notice when I move out?
   You may be responsible for additional rent equal to the notice period or risk forfeiting part of your security deposit.
5. Where can I get help if I think my landlord is not following the law?
   Contact the Maryland District Court or resources listed below for assistance.

Key Takeaways for Maryland Renters

• Month-to-month rentals offer flexibility, but require proper written notice to end.
• Always use written forms for notices and keep copies for proof.
• The Maryland District Court can help resolve landlord-tenant disputes statewide.

Understanding your rights helps you protect your home and finances when renting month-to-month in Maryland.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland District Court - Landlord & Tenant Resources
• Maryland Attorney General - Landlords & Tenants Guide
• People's Law Library of Maryland - Landlord-Tenant Law
• Maryland Real Property Title 8, Landlord and Tenant

---

1. Maryland Real Property Code § 8-402 – Eviction procedures for breach of lease
2. Maryland Real Property Title 8, Landlord and Tenant (Statutes)

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