Can my landlord enter my rental using a smart lock without telling me?

No, landlords in Maryland must provide reasonable notice before entering, even when smart locks are used.

Do I need to be told if my landlord installs or changes a smart lock?

Yes, you should be notified about smart lock installations or changes and know who has access.

What should I do if I believe my privacy is violated due to a smart lock?

Communicate with your landlord, request an entry log, and contact your District Court if concerns persist.

Is there an official form for reporting smart lock or privacy issues?

Use Maryland Court Form DC-CV-083 if locked out, or contact the District Court for privacy complaints.

Can my landlord track when I come and go using a smart lock?

Smart locks can record entry times; landlords should use this information responsibly and not share it.

Maryland Tenant Privacy: Smart Locks and Your Rights

Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Maryland published: June 21, 2025

New technology like smart locks has changed how landlords and tenants manage entry and security in rental homes. In Maryland, renters have important rights around privacy and landlord entry—especially when smart locks can track access or allow remote unlocking. This article breaks down what Maryland tenants should know about these devices, their privacy rights, and what steps to take if issues arise.

How Smart Locks Can Impact Tenant Privacy

Smart locks are electronic locks that let users control entry with a phone or key card, often with features like remote access and entry logs. In rental homes, landlords may install these devices for convenience and safety. However, they also raise important questions:

Who has access to the smart lock system?
Can landlords track when tenants enter or leave?
Does installing or changing a smart lock affect a tenant’s right to privacy?

Maryland’s laws protect tenants’ rights even as technology evolves. Landlords must still respect a renter’s right to quiet enjoyment and privacy of their home under Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-203¹.

Landlord Entry Rules in Maryland

In Maryland, landlords generally must give “reasonable” notice before entering a tenant’s unit, except for emergencies. State law does not specify an exact number of hours, but many leases provide at least 24 hours' notice. Reasons a landlord can enter include:

Making repairs or improvements
Showing the unit to potential renters or buyers
Emergency situations (e.g., fire, water leak)

Even with smart locks, these rules still apply. Landlords cannot use remote access to enter a home at will or without proper notice. If your landlord installs a smart lock, you have a right to be notified, and it is best to request who else has access or if an entry log exists.

Privacy and Data Concerns

Smart locks may collect information such as:

Times at which the door is unlocked/locked
Who used which access code or device
Remote entry activity

Maryland law does not specifically regulate smart lock data, but general privacy rights apply. Your landlord should not share or misuse information from these devices. You can request, in writing, a log of who has entered your home and when.

What To Do If You Have Smart Lock or Entry Concerns

If you feel your landlord is misusing a smart lock system—for example, entering your unit without notice, tracking your comings and goings, or refusing to provide access—you have options:

Communicate your concerns in writing, asking for clarification or changes
Check your rental agreement for entry rules and smart lock policies
Contact the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for advice
File a complaint or request mediation with your local District Court

Tenants should always ask who has access to their smart lock system and request written policies on landlord entry and data usage.

Official Forms and Legal Steps for Maryland Renters

Maryland tenants may use the following forms when dealing with privacy or entry disputes:

Failure to Provide Quiet Enjoyment Complaint: No specific statewide form, but renters can submit a complaint or request for a hearing at their local District Court branch. For example, if you believe your landlord is improperly using smart locks to violate your privacy, you can file to request relief from the court.
Tenant’s Complaint for Return of Possession of Rental Property (Form DC-CV-083): Used if you are unlawfully locked out, perhaps by smart lock manipulation. Submit this form to your District Court.
Official source: Maryland Courts - Form DC-CV-083

Steps to use these forms:

Obtain forms from your local District Court or Maryland Courts landlord/tenant forms page.
Fill out all required details carefully, explaining your concerns about smart lock use or privacy.
Submit the form in person or by mail to your District Court's clerk office.
The court will schedule a hearing if required.

The main tribunal for residential tenancy disputes in Maryland is the Maryland District Court. This court handles issues like improper entry, privacy violations, and related landlord/tenant claims².

FAQ: Smart Locks and Privacy in Maryland Rentals

Can my landlord enter my rental using a smart lock without telling me?
No. Maryland law requires that landlords give reasonable notice before entering your unit, except in emergencies, regardless of the type of lock.
Should I be told if my landlord installs or changes a smart lock?
Yes. You should be notified and given clear instructions for access. Ask about who else has access and how your data is used.
What can I do if I feel my privacy is being violated?
You can communicate your concerns in writing, ask for an entry log, contact your local District Court, or file a formal complaint.
Is there an official form for reporting smart lock issues?
While there is no form for "smart lock" issues specifically, if you are wrongfully locked out, use Form DC-CV-083; otherwise, contact your District Court for the correct complaint process.
Can a landlord track my comings and goings with a smart lock?
Landlords may be able to access entry logs but should not misuse or share this information. Request written policies on data use.

Key Takeaways for Renters

Landlords in Maryland must respect notice and privacy rules, even with smart locks.
Always request details on who has smart lock access and entry logs.
Use official forms and your District Court if your privacy is violated.

Understanding your rights helps keep your home safe and your privacy respected.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Resources – Where to file privacy and entry complaints
Maryland Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division – Guidance on privacy, data, and tenant rights
Maryland Courts Landlord/Tenant Official Forms
Maryland Real Property Code – Landlord & Tenant Statutes