Maryland Tenant Rights – A Practical Guide for Renters

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Maryland, knowing your rights can save you money, stress, and legal headaches. The state has clear rules about security deposits, repairs, evictions, and more. Below you’ll find the most important protections and easy steps to enforce them.

Key Protections for Maryland Tenants

Security deposits. Maryland law caps security deposits at two months’ rent for a one‑year lease and three months’ rent for a lease longer than a year. Landlords must provide a written receipt and return the deposit within 45 days after you move out, minus any lawful deductions. If they keep any money, they must give you an itemized list of damages.

Habitability. Your rental must be fit for living. That means functioning heat, hot water, plumbing, electricity, and a roof that doesn’t leak. If serious repairs are needed, you can give written notice and the landlord has a reasonable time—usually 14 days—to fix the issue. If they don’t, you may be able to withhold rent or repair and deduct the cost, but only after following proper legal steps.

Eviction rules. A landlord can’t just ask you to leave. They must follow a legal process that starts with a written notice. The most common notices are a 30‑day notice for non‑payment of rent and a 10‑day notice for lease violations. After the notice period, if you haven’t fixed the problem, the landlord files a lawsuit. Only a court can order you to move.

Retaliation protection. If you complain about unsafe conditions or exercise a legal right, your landlord can’t evict you, raise rent, or cut services in retaliation. Any such action can be challenged in court, and you may be entitled to damages.

How to Enforce Your Rights

First, keep a paper trail. Save every email, text, and written notice you send or receive. When you report a repair issue, send a certified letter or an email with a read receipt. This documentation shows you gave the landlord a chance to act.

If the landlord ignores a repair request, write a follow‑up notice that includes a deadline (usually 14 days) and state that you may pursue legal remedies if the problem isn’t fixed.

Should you face an eviction, don’t ignore the court papers. Attend the hearing, bring your lease, payment records, and any communication about the dispute. Many Maryland courts have free tenant assistance programs that can help you prepare a defense.

For security deposit disputes, request the itemized deduction list in writing. If the landlord’s claim seems unfair, you can file a small claims case (up to $5,000) without a lawyer.

When in doubt, reach out to local tenant advocacy groups or the Maryland Attorney General’s consumer protection division. They offer free resources and can guide you through the process.

Remember, most landlords want good tenants and will cooperate if you present clear, polite requests backed by the law. Knowing these rights makes it easier to protect your home and your wallet.