Maryland Renters: Required Lease Disclosures Explained

Before signing or renewing a residential lease in Maryland, renters should understand what information landlords are legally required to disclose. Maryland law protects tenants by mandating certain disclosures, ensuring renters know about property conditions, legal requirements, and their rights under the lease.

What Must a Landlord Disclose in Maryland?

Maryland's Real Property Article, § 8-208 sets out key mandatory disclosures for residential leases. These requirements exist to protect renters from hidden risks or misunderstandings. Here's what landlords must disclose:

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for properties built before 1978)
• Mold Disclosure
• Security Deposit Notice
• Landlord Identification
• Habitation License (if required in jurisdiction)
• Receipt for Rent Paid in Cash
• Utility Arrangements and Submetering (if applicable)

1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

If the property was built before 1978, federal and Maryland law require landlords to provide the Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards form [MDE Form]. This includes:

• The EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home"
• Notice of any known lead-based paint or hazards
• Results of lead dust risk reduction certificates required by Maryland law (see Maryland Department of the Environment guidance)

Example: If you are renting an apartment built in 1965, your landlord must give you this information and a copy of the latest lead inspection certificate before you move in.

2. Mold Disclosure

Landlords must inform tenants at lease signing if the landlord knows about the presence of mold in the dwelling. If the property is certified mold-free or remediation is completed, the landlord must also disclose that status, following Maryland Real Property § 8-211.1.

3. Security Deposit Notice

Under Maryland law, when accepting a security deposit, landlords must provide written notice stating:

• The right to be present for the move-out inspection
• The landlord’s legal obligations and timing for returning the security deposit
• An itemization of any deductions

Landlords are required to provide a receipt for each cash security deposit—this receipt includes specific language summarizing your deposit rights (see Maryland Attorney General Tenant Guidance, p.7).

4. Landlord Identification & Local Requirements

Leases must identify the landlord or authorized agent—name and contact details must be provided. If your rental is in a county or city that requires a housing ("rental dwelling") license (e.g., Baltimore City), the license number or certificate must appear on the lease. Check with your local housing department for locality-specific rules.

5. Utility & Submetering Disclosure

If utilities are billed separately or use submeters, landlords must provide information about calculation, allocation, and your responsibilities. For submetered properties, Maryland law requires providing the tenant a description of how charges are calculated, current rates, and dispute procedures (§ 8-212.4).

Official Forms Renters Should Know

• Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards (No form number)—Used for properties built before 1978. You must receive and sign this form before moving in. Get the official form and instructions here.
• Lead Paint Risk Reduction Certificate (MDE Form 330)—Provided by certified inspectors after lead hazard work. Used by landlords to prove compliance before renting. View the MDE 330 Certificate here.
• Security Deposit Receipt (no standardized statewide form)—Your landlord should issue you this written notice whenever you pay a security deposit (especially in cash). Example language is in the official guide (p.7).

All these forms are to protect your rights—review each before signing and contact your landlord if you have questions about information you received.

What Happens If Required Disclosures Are Missing?

If a landlord fails to provide legally required disclosures, renters gain certain rights, including the ability to recover actual damages and, in some cases, to terminate the lease. You may also report violations to your local housing office or the District Court of Maryland, which handles residential tenancy and lease disputes statewide.

If you suspect your required disclosures are missing or incomplete, consider contacting the Maryland Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division for support.

FAQ: Lease Disclosure Requirements in Maryland

1. Do Maryland landlords have to provide a lead paint certificate?
   Yes, if the property was built before 1978, landlords must give you a lead paint risk reduction certificate and disclosures before move-in.
2. What if my landlord did not mention mold issues?
   If the landlord knows about mold, they must disclose it under Maryland law. Ask for a written statement. If not provided, contact your local health department or housing office.
3. Is there a standard lease form renters should use?
   No statewide mandatory form exists, but state law lists required lease contents. Baltimore City and some counties may have their own forms.
4. When do I get my security deposit notice?
   Anytime you pay a security deposit—especially in cash—your landlord must give you a written receipt with language explaining your rights.
5. Who handles lease complaints in Maryland?
   The Maryland District Court handles most landlord-tenant disputes. For tenant rights information, contact the Maryland Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.

Key Takeaways for Maryland Renters

• Maryland law protects renters by requiring disclosures about lead, mold, security deposits, and more.
• Always ask for and keep all disclosures and receipts given at lease signing.
• If forms or notices are missing, you have rights—seek help from your local housing authority or district court.

Understanding these basics helps ensure your rental experience is secure and backed by the strong protections found in Maryland’s tenancy laws.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• District Court of Maryland: Landlord-Tenant Information & Forms
• Maryland Attorney General's Office—Tenant Rights Resources
• People's Law Library of Maryland—Housing Information
• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

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1. Maryland Real Property Article, § 8-208: Required Lease Contents and Disclosures
2. Maryland Real Property Article, § 8-211.1: Mold Disclosure
3. Maryland Real Property Article, § 8-203: Security Deposits
4. Maryland Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant Rights and Responsibilities (PDF)
5. District Court of Maryland: Landlord-Tenant Information
6. Maryland Department of the Environment: Lead Forms

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