Maryland Rules on Landlord Shut-Off of Electricity for Non-Payment

Dealing with threats to your utility services can be stressful—especially if you’re worried your landlord might shut off the electricity for not paying rent. In Maryland, specific laws protect renters from illegal utility shut-offs. Understanding when and how a landlord can control electricity access will help you protect your rights and know your next steps if your power is threatened.

Maryland Law: Are Landlords Allowed to Shut Off Electricity for Non-Payment?

Generally, in Maryland, landlords are not allowed to shut off your electricity or any essential services as a way to collect unpaid rent. Doing so is considered a "self-help eviction," which is illegal under Maryland law.

• Landlords must provide a safe and habitable rental unit, including continuous electricity if specified in your lease.
• If you pay the utility company directly, only the utility can disconnect the power—and only after following strict notice requirements and for non-payment to the utility (not the landlord).
• If your landlord is responsible for paying the electricity, they cannot withhold payment or disconnect the service to force you out or punish you for rent arrears.

Legal Process for Non-Payment of Rent in Maryland

Rather than shutting off utilities, landlords must use the court eviction process if a renter falls behind on rent. Maryland law requires that landlords:

• File a Failure to Pay Rent – Landlord’s Complaint (Form DC-CV-082) with the Maryland District Court
• Obtain a court judgment for eviction before any removal or shut-off can happen
• Never take "self-help" action, including turning off utilities, locking out, or removing a tenant’s belongings without a court order

It's important to note that any such action by a landlord is unlawful, and renters may have remedies under Maryland law if their power is disconnected without court approval.

Utility Shut-Offs by Utility Companies vs. Landlords

If you are responsible for paying the electric bill and fall behind, the utility company—not the landlord—may shut off your service, but must follow Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) guidelines:

• Advance written notice (at least 14 days before disconnection)
• Opportunity to pay the bill and avoid disconnection
• Special protections for medical emergencies, elderly, or during winter months

See the Maryland Public Service Commission Utility Consumer Assistance Page for details.

What If the Landlord Threatens or Shuts Off Electricity?

If your landlord attempts to shut off your power, document the incident and take the following steps:

• Contact your local Office of Code Enforcement or Housing Department
• File a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division
• Consider filing for relief with a District Court using appropriate forms, such as a rent escrow action if essential repairs/services aren’t provided

Relevant Official Forms for Maryland Renters

• District Court Complaint Form: Failure to Pay Rent (Form DC-CV-082)
  Direct link to official PDF
  Landlords must use this form to begin an eviction action for non-payment of rent. As a renter, you may receive a copy if legal action begins.
• Tenant’s Petition for Relief (Form DC-CV-083)
  Official form here
  Use this to request court intervention if your landlord improperly disconnects a utility or fails to provide essential services.

Practical Example:

If your landlord disconnects power after a rent dispute, you could file a "Tenant’s Petition for Relief" (DC-CV-083) in your local District Court, explaining the circumstances and requesting that services be restored.

Court or Tribunal Handling Rent Disputes in Maryland

Residential tenancy and eviction disputes in Maryland are handled by the Maryland District Court.

Key Legislation Protecting Renters

The main law protecting tenants from illegal shut-offs is the Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-208.4, which sets penalties for wrongful utility interruption and describes tenant remedies.

FAQ

1. Can my landlord legally shut off power if I don't pay rent?
   No. Landlords in Maryland cannot legally disconnect utilities to force payment or eviction. Only the court eviction process is lawful.
2. Can utility companies disconnect my electricity?
   Yes, but only if you fail to pay your bill, and they have to follow strict notice requirements set by the Maryland Public Service Commission.
3. What should I do if my landlord threatens to shut off electricity?
   Document the threat, contact local housing authorities, and consider filing a Tenant’s Petition for Relief with the District Court.
4. What forms do I use if my utilities are shut off by my landlord?
   Use the Tenant’s Petition for Relief (DC-CV-083) to request court intervention.
5. Do these protections apply if utilities are included in my rent?
   Yes. Even if the landlord pays the utility company, they must keep services on and cannot disconnect them for non-payment of rent.

Conclusion: What to Remember as a Maryland Renter

• Landlords cannot legally disconnect your electricity for not paying rent—only a court can order an eviction.
• If your utilities are wrongfully shut off, you can seek help through Maryland courts or consumer protection agencies.
• Always document any threats or actions and use official forms as needed to protect your rights.

You’re protected by Maryland law from illegal utility shut-offs, and official government resources are available if you need support.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland District Court: File complaints or receive help on tenant-landlord legal matters.
• Maryland Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division: Report unlawful landlord actions or seek assistance.
• Maryland Public Service Commission Utility Consumer Assistance: Get help with complaints regarding utility companies.
• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development – Renters Resources

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1. Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-208.4 – Wrongful Utility Shut-Off
2. District Court of Maryland – Failure to Pay Rent (Form DC-CV-082)
3. District Court of Maryland – Tenant’s Petition for Relief (Form DC-CV-083)
4. Maryland Public Service Commission – Utility Consumer Assistance
5. Maryland District Court Official Website

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