Maryland Tenant Rights: Who Pays for Internet in Your Apartment?

If you rent an apartment in Maryland, internet access is often a necessity for work, school, and daily life. But who is responsible for providing and paying for internet service in Maryland rental units? This guide breaks down current Maryland law and your rights as a renter when it comes to internet — including who covers installation, how billing works, and what you can do if there’s a dispute.

Who Is Responsible for Internet in Maryland Rentals?

In most Maryland rentals, landlords are not legally required to provide internet access.^[1] Unless your lease agreement specifically states that internet service is included, you are typically responsible for setting up and paying for your own internet through your chosen provider.

Exceptions: When Landlords May Be Responsible

• Included in the Lease: If your written lease or rental agreement says that internet service is provided as part of the rent, your landlord must supply and maintain this service.
• Advertising Claims: If your apartment was advertised as "internet included" or similar, you may have legal grounds to hold your landlord responsible. Always keep documentation.
• Utility Bundling: In some multi-unit buildings, landlords may offer "bulk" internet as a utility service to all tenants. Terms must be clear in your lease.

Always review your lease carefully. If you are unsure, ask your landlord or property manager before signing.

How Internet Billing Works in Maryland Apartments

Most Maryland tenants pay internet providers directly. However, in some cases, landlords may bill tenants for shared or bulk internet services. If this applies, your lease must clearly explain:

• Whether internet is a required or optional fee
• The monthly cost and service details
• How billing or disputes are handled

If you are required to pay the landlord for internet, this fee must be reasonable and should not exceed the landlord's actual cost for providing the service.^[2]

Installation, Repairs, and Access

• Tenant setup: Renters are generally responsible for arranging installation with their chosen provider, unless the landlord manages building-wide internet.
• Landlord cooperation: Landlords must allow reasonable access to the unit for internet installation if it does not cause property damage or safety concerns. They cannot unreasonably interfere with your access.
• Repairs: If the landlord supplies the internet as part of the lease, they are generally responsible for maintaining the service. If service is through your own account, you handle repairs with your provider.

Disputes: What If There’s a Problem?

If you and your landlord disagree about internet responsibility or face unfair charges, there are steps you can take:

• Communicate in writing and request clarification on responsibilities
• Review your lease and any related advertisements
• If the issue is unresolved and impacts habitability or violates Maryland law, you may file a complaint

Formal complaints about rental disputes in Maryland, including service and billing issues, can be filed with your local county or city housing office or through the Maryland District Court’s Landlord-Tenant Division (the tribunal that handles tenant disputes in Maryland).

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Failure to Provide Essential Services Claim (Form DC-CV-082)
  Use this Maryland District Court form if your lease promises internet and your landlord is not delivering.
  Example: If your lease states "internet included" and service is cut off, complete this form and file in District Court.
  Download the official Form DC-CV-082
• Petition in Action of Rent Escrow (Form DC-CV-083)
  Used if you believe failure to provide included (not optional) utilities such as internet makes your unit unlivable.
  Get the official Rent Escrow Petition form here

For lease or utility billing complaints, attach copies of your lease, email correspondence, and payment receipts as evidence.

Maryland Law and Internet Services

While Maryland law (Maryland Code, Real Property Title 8) requires landlords to keep rental units fit for habitation and maintain essential utilities, internet is not explicitly listed as an “essential service.” However, the law covers any utility or amenity promised in the lease. This means:

• If your lease promises internet, your landlord legally must provide it
• If your lease is silent on internet access, you are responsible for obtaining your own connection

You can read the full Maryland Code, Real Property Title 8 (Landlord and Tenant Law) online for more details.

1. Is my landlord required to pay for my internet in Maryland?
   No, unless your lease clearly states that internet service is included, landlords do not have to provide or pay for internet.
   
2. Can my landlord enter my apartment for internet work?
   Landlords may enter with proper notice to allow access for internet installation or repairs, but they cannot make unreasonable requests or frequent entries.
   
3. What can I do if the included internet stops working?
   Notify your landlord in writing first. If not resolved, you may use Form DC-CV-082 to file a complaint in District Court.
   
4. Is internet considered an "essential utility" like water or power?
   Under Maryland law, internet is only "essential" if included in your lease or required for health/safety needs specified in writing.
   

Conclusion: What Maryland Renters Should Know About Internet Service

• Landlords only have to provide internet if the lease says so.
• Review your lease and keep records of all agreements related to internet access.
• If a promised internet service isn’t provided, you may file a complaint or take legal action using official court forms.

Clarifying internet obligations upfront with your landlord helps prevent disputes. Understanding your rights ensures you get the services you pay for.

Need Help? Resources for Maryland Renters

• Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Division: Handles all official landlord-tenant disputes.
• Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division – Landlord/Tenant Support: Offers guides and complaint resources.
• Maryland People's Law Library: Internet Service in Rentals: Comprehensive explanations of tenant internet rights (official state resource).
• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development – Renter Help: Housing assistance and legal information.

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1. See Maryland Code, Real Property Title 8 – Landlord and Tenant Law
2. Refer to Maryland Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant FAQs

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