Maryland Lease Tips: What Every Renter and Landlord Should Know

If you’re renting or letting a place in Maryland, a solid lease can save you headaches. Below are the most useful pointers you can apply right away, whether you’re signing your first apartment or managing several units.

Key Parts of a Maryland Lease

First, make sure the lease spells out the basics: rent amount, due date, and where to send the payment. Maryland law doesn’t force a specific payment method, but writing it down helps avoid disputes.

Next, include the lease term—usually twelve months—but note any early‑termination clauses. If you allow a month‑to‑month extension, state the notice period (at least thirty days in Maryland).

Security deposits are another must‑have. Maryland limits the deposit to two months’ rent for most residential leases. The lease should say when the deposit will be returned, how deductions are calculated, and that the landlord must provide a written itemized list within thirty days after you move out.

Don’t forget maintenance responsibilities. Outline who handles repairs, how to request them, and the time frame for the landlord to act. If you, the tenant, are responsible for yard work or minor fixes, write that in clear language.

Lastly, add a clause about subletting and guests. Maryland doesn’t ban subletting, but many landlords require written consent. Clarify the process so both sides know what to expect.

How to Handle Showings and Entry

One of the most common tenant concerns is whether a landlord can walk through the unit while you’re still living there. In Maryland, the landlord must give reasonable notice—typically 24 hours—and can only enter at reasonable times unless there’s an emergency (like a burst pipe).

Schedule showings during normal business hours to keep things smooth. If the landlord wants to show the place more than once a week, you can negotiate a limit in the lease. Put that limit in writing; it protects both parties.

If you’re a landlord, respect the tenant’s privacy. Send a quick text or email confirming the date and time, and be ready to reschedule if they have a valid conflict. Showing a vacant unit is fine, but entering an occupied unit without proper notice can lead to a complaint or even a lawsuit.

When it comes to eviction, Maryland requires a written 10‑day notice for non‑payment of rent, followed by a court filing if the issue isn’t resolved. For other lease breaches, a 30‑day notice is standard. Knowing these steps helps both sides act legally and avoid costly court battles.

Finally, keep all paperwork organized. Store your signed lease, any addenda, and receipts for rent or deposits in a folder—digital copies work, too. Having everything handy makes it easier to prove your case if a disagreement arises.

Following these tips will give you a clear, enforceable lease and a healthier landlord‑tenant relationship. Whether you’re paying rent or collecting it, a well‑written agreement is the backbone of a smooth rental experience in Maryland.