Maryland Rental Laws

Maryland Rental Laws

Your Maryland Rental Laws Guide to helpful links and information for leases, rent, security deposits, tenant screening, real estate and government.

Official Website of the State of Maryland

The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of Maryland was 5,976,407 on July 1, 2014, a 3.51% increase since the 2010 United States Census

The State of Maryland has 23 counties and 1 independent city totaling 24.

State Laws and Regulations

Important Lease Terms

Security Deposits

  • Amount: 2 Months
  • Return Deadline:  45 Days
  • Applications Fees: No Restrictions

Fees and Notices

  • Termination Notice:  30 days unless breach poses clear and imminent danger, then 14 days (no cure).
  • Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent: Tenant may repair and deduct circumstance dependent

Landlord Disclosures

Real Estate Links

Federal Government

  • Fair Credit Reporting Act:  Federal Government legislation which promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information contained in the files of consumer reporting agencies.
  • Fair Housing Act:  The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing. The prohibitions specifically cover discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and the presence of children

Credit Reports

Tenant Screening

  • Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
  • Counties Provided:  Allegany County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City,   Calvert County, Caroline County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Charles County, Dorchester County, Frederick County, Garrett County, Harford County, Howard County, Kent County,   Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, St. Mary’s County,   Somerset County, Talbot County, Washington County, Wicomico County, Worcester County
  • Options for Tenant Screening Packages and Prices

Last Updated: April 13, 2020