Can a Landlord Show a House You're Renting in Maryland?

Ever had your landlord tell you they're bringing strangers by to look at the place you're renting? In Maryland, this isn't just a landlord's whim—it comes down to state law and your lease. You might be surprised by how specific things get once you dig into the details.

First, landlords aren't allowed to just pop in whenever they please, even if they're trying to rent or sell the house. Maryland law says they need to give you 'reasonable' notice, which most folks take to mean at least 24 hours. The notice has to explain why they're coming, like showing the property to a new renter or a buyer. If you've got a lease, check it—sometimes the rules are spelled out there, too.

• Maryland Law on Landlord Entry
• Advance Notice Rules
• Tenant Rights and Privacy
• When Can a Landlord Show the Property?
• Tips for Handling Showings Smoothly

Maryland Law on Landlord Entry

Maryland doesn't let landlords walk into your rental on a whim, not even to show the place to future tenants or buyers. The law draws a line to make sure your privacy is protected, but also gives landlords the right to access when it's needed. If you’re wondering about the actual rules, here’s how it breaks down.

Maryland law doesn’t spell out every detail in black-and-white like some other states. There’s no fixed number of hours for "reasonable notice"—but most local counties expect at least 24 hours. Some counties, like Montgomery County, even post the 24-hour minimum on their official websites. Landlords can’t just show up and expect you to drop everything, even for property viewings.

Landlords can only enter for certain reasons, like making repairs, performing safety inspections, or showing the rental property to a potential new renter or buyer. Entry times should be during normal hours, roughly 8am to 8pm. After-hours visits are a big red flag unless there’s a genuine emergency, like a burst pipe.

• Always get the notice in writing—it could be an email, text, or a written note.
• Notice must include the day, time, and reason for entry.
• If it’s not a genuine emergency, you have the right to ask for a different time if what they picked doesn’t work for you.

If you feel like your landlord isn’t following these rules, you're not powerless. Maryland tenants have the right to take complaints to the local housing department or even seek legal help.

Advance Notice Rules

If you’re renting in Maryland, the days of landlords showing up out of the blue are (thankfully) history. Landlords have to give you proper advance notice before coming over to show the place. The norm here is at least 24 hours, but it’s always smart to get that in writing—either by text or email, so there’s a record.

Now, here’s the thing: the law in Maryland isn’t super detailed about how that notice should be given, but most leases spell out the minimum. You want the notice to include the date, time range, and exactly why your landlord (or some real estate agent) wants to access your home. If they don’t tell you, you’ve got every right to push back.

Want a quick rundown? Here’s what tenants usually expect when it comes to advance notice for Maryland rental laws:

• Landlord gives at least 24 hours' notice before entering for a showing.
• Notice should be in writing or another trackable form.
• Landlord states the reason and intended time for entry.
• Showings usually happen during normal hours—nothing super early or late at night.

Some leases crank this up to 48 hours, while a few may go as low as 12, but that’s rare. During emergencies, like a burst pipe, all bets are off—they can rush in to fix it. But for regular property showings, sticking to 24 hours is standard practice in Maryland.

If your landlord tries to bend these rules, remind them it’s about your privacy and following the law. You’re not being difficult—you’re upholding your end of the rental agreement. Everything goes smoother when both sides respect the notice rules.

Tenant Rights and Privacy

So, what does your privacy really look like when you're renting in Maryland? Legally, you have the right to quiet enjoyment of your home. That means your landlord can’t just swing by to give a tour whenever they want. State law is clear: they must respect your space and only enter for legit reasons—showings are one of those, but there are limits.

Here’s what you can bank on: landlords in Maryland are expected to give you written or verbal notice, usually at least 24 hours in advance. The law doesn’t say exactly what “reasonable” notice means, but 24 hours is the standard most follow. They’ve also got to pick a time that works—so if you work third shift and sleep during the day, you can absolutely say that morning showings won’t work. If you have agreements or rules in your lease, those matter too. Don't ignore them; read your lease so you know where you stand.

Landlords are only allowed to enter for specific reasons, like repairs, inspections, or to show the property to a new possible tenant or buyer. Surprise drop-ins aren’t okay. And yes, you have the right to be there during showings, if you want to be. Some tenants feel safer or just want to keep an eye on their things. It’s totally your choice.

• If your landlord enters without asking or gives you no notice, keep records. Write down times, dates, and what happened. This will help if things get messy.
• You can set reasonable boundaries, like “no showings before noon” or “not on weekends,” as long as you communicate them up front.
• If your landlord is being pushy, Maryland’s Office of the Attorney General takes complaints seriously. They can step in if your rights are being crossed.

Renters sometimes wonder how often a landlord can show the place. There's no set number, but it’s supposed to be ‘reasonable,’ which means not every single day. If it starts feeling like harassment, write it down and reach out for legal advice.

When it comes to Maryland rental laws, it pays to know exactly what’s allowed so you don’t get caught off guard. Setting boundaries and keeping records puts you in a much stronger spot if you ever need to push back.

When Can a Landlord Show the Property?

So when can your landlord actually bring people through while you're still living in your Maryland rental? The clue is in state law and sometimes your lease. Here’s what really matters: landlords can show the property, but there are ground rules.

Maryland law isn’t super detailed but expects 'reasonable access' for things like repairs, inspections, or showings to new tenants and buyers. You get a right to quiet enjoyment—basically, your landlord can’t harass you with constant visits or drop in with no warning. The law expects your landlord to give at least 24 hours’ notice before any showing, unless you agree to something else. Emergencies are a whole different beast: they can enter any time to fix a burst pipe or deal with serious damage.

• The showing should be during 'reasonable hours.' Think 9am–8pm, not midnight. If your job schedule is strange, talk it out and find a time that works for both of you.
• The Maryland rental laws don’t set an exact time limit or number of showings per day, but you can push back if it feels like too much. Courts back tenants if landlords abuse their access.
• If you get a 24-hour notice and the time is bad for you (you’re working from home or have kids), don’t be afraid to suggest alternatives. Written communication (email or text) is smart for covering your bases.

Here’s a quick-reference table on when and how landlords can show your place:

The main idea is, yes, your landlord can show the property, but they need to do it the right way. If they ignore these rules, that’s on them—not you.

Tips for Handling Showings Smoothly

Dealing with showings in your rented Maryland home shouldn’t feel like a hassle. When landlords want to let prospective renters or buyers in, common sense and a little planning make things a lot less awkward. Here’s what makes the process smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.

• Communication is key: As soon as your landlord gives notice, reply and confirm whether the suggested time works for you. If it’s a bad time, say so—most are open to finding a compromise.
• Set some ground rules. For example, you might request that showings happen only during certain hours (like after work or on weekends). Maryland law backs you up—landlords can’t just pick any time they want.
• Consider being home if it makes you feel more comfortable. Just let your landlord know—they can’t force you to leave during a showing.
• Lock up valuables and tidy up a little before showings. You don’t need a spotless place, but it keeps your stuff safe and helps the process go faster.
• Track all communications. Save texts or emails about showings, just in case you need proof of agreements later.

According to the Maryland Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, landlords must give ‘reasonable’ notice and can't abuse their right of entry. Here's a quick look at how renters in Maryland typically handle showings, based on a 2024 renters’ survey:

Stuff goes smoother when everyone’s on the same page. If your landlord keeps showing up with no warning, point to Maryland rental laws—they’re clear about your right to privacy. If things get out of hand, contact your local tenant association or Maryland’s consumer protection office. Getting proactive keeps showings from turning into a headache.