Maryland Renter Rights: Legal Protections & Responsibilities

Renting a home in Maryland means you are protected by state laws that outline both your rights and responsibilities. Whether you’re facing a rent increase, concerned about maintenance, or need to handle an eviction notice, knowing your rights as a Maryland renter can help you navigate challenges confidently. This guide explains the key protections you have, important state forms, and where to get official support.

Your Main Rights as a Maryland Renter

Maryland renters are covered by the Maryland Real Property Code, Title 8, which details what landlords can and cannot do. Here’s a summary of what you’re entitled to:

• Fair housing: Protection against discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. See details at the official Maryland Commission on Civil Rights.
• A safe, livable home: Your landlord must keep the property habitable and up to local code.
• Limits on security deposits: In Maryland, landlords cannot charge more than two months’ rent as a security deposit (see law).
• Protection from retaliation: Landlords cannot evict or mistreat you for asserting your rights (e.g., making complaints).
• Proper eviction process: You cannot be forced out without a court order and proper notice.
• Notice for rent increases or termination: Notice periods depend on your type of lease and local rules.

Security Deposit and Rent Rules

Maryland laws strictly regulate how security deposits are handled and limit rental fees:

• Security deposits must be returned with interest (if you rented for over six months)—find more details from the Maryland Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Guide.
• Landlords must provide a receipt for your deposit (or add a specific notice in the lease).

Disputes about deposits can be taken to court if not settled.

Maintenance and Repairs: Your Rights & Responsibilities

Landlords must keep rentals safe, clean, and in good repair. If something needs fixing:

• First, inform your landlord in writing with details and (if possible) photos.
• Allow reasonable time for the repair.
• If repairs are not made, you may be eligible to file for Rent Escrow using Maryland District Court Form DC-CV-083 (Rent Escrow Petition Form), which asks the court to hold your rent until issues are fixed.

This process protects you if the rental is seriously unsafe or unlivable.

Evictions in Maryland: The Official Process

Evictions must follow state law—illegal self-help evictions (like changing locks) are never allowed. The court that handles rental disputes and evictions in Maryland is the Maryland District Court.

• Your landlord must give you a written notice (typically 10 days for nonpayment; timelines vary for other reasons).
• If rent is unpaid, landlords file a Complaint for Summary Ejectment (Form DC-CV-082) (see official form).
• You’ll receive a court summons and have a chance to respond.
• If you disagree, show up for the court date with documentation and defenses (like proof of payment or unsafe conditions).

If the judge grants an eviction, only the court can order and schedule physical removal.

Maryland’s Official Tenant Forms: When & How to Use Them

If you need to take official action regarding your rental, here are key forms:

• Rent Escrow Petition (DC-CV-083): Use this to ask the court to hold your rent when the landlord fails to make essential repairs. Example: Leaking roof goes unfixed, and your landlord ignores written requests. Download the official form.
• Complaint for Summary Ejectment (DC-CV-082): This is the form your landlord files to begin most eviction cases for unpaid rent. You’ll be served with this if your landlord takes legal action. View the form here.
• Tenant’s Counterclaim (DC-CV-081): Used if you are defending against eviction and have claims (like unrepaired conditions). See the Counterclaim form.

FAQ: Maryland Renter Rights and Problems

1. Can my landlord raise the rent without notice?
   Generally, landlords must provide written notice before increasing rent. For monthly leases, the notice period must be at least one rental period. Read your lease for specific local requirements.
2. What if my landlord doesn’t return my security deposit?
   If it’s not returned within 45 days of moving out, you can seek triple the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney’s fees. File a complaint in District Court if needed.
3. Am I protected from eviction if I report housing problems?
   Yes, Maryland law forbids landlords from retaliating against tenants for good-faith complaints or organizing with others.
4. How do I stop an eviction for unpaid rent?
   You can pay all owed rent plus court costs before the eviction date to stop the removal, unless you’ve reached the legal limit of “right of redemption.”
5. Who do I contact if I face discrimination?
   File a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights or the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Conclusion: Key Maryland Renter Rights

• Maryland law protects renters against unfair treatment, unsafe conditions, and improper evictions.
• Use official forms and follow legal steps if issues arise—help is available through courts and state agencies.
• Document communications with your landlord and seek advice if you’re unsure how to proceed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland District Court: Handles rental disputes and eviction cases
• Landlord-Tenant Resource Center: Free legal self-help, guidance, and forms
• Maryland Commission on Civil Rights: Housing discrimination complaints
• Maryland Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant Information
• For local issues, contact your county or city housing office

---

1. Maryland Real Property Code, Title 8: Landlord and Tenant
2. Maryland District Court: Landlord-Tenant Information
3. Maryland Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant Guide
4. Maryland District Court: Civil Forms
5. Maryland Commission on Civil Rights: Housing Complaints

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