Rental agreement › United States › Maryland
Maryland rental agreement — laws, template & free PDF
A Maryland rental agreement is a residential tenancy contract governed by Maryland landlord-tenant law. This guide summarizes the current rules on security deposits, notice, entry and disclosures, and lets you download a free PDF pre-filled with Maryland defaults.
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Maryland landlord-tenant law at a glance
| Security deposit cap | 2 months' rent |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 45 days (with interest) |
| Entry notice required | Not specified (custom: 24h) |
| Month-to-month termination | 60 days (1 month for weekly) |
| Late fee rule | Cap: 5% of monthly rent |
| Rent control | Local (Takoma Park, Mount Rainier) |
| Small claims limit | $5,000 |
Mandatory disclosures for Maryland landlords
- Lead paint
- Utility
- Ratio utility billing
Landlords who fail to provide a required disclosure expose themselves to statutory damages and can lose their right to evict until the disclosure is corrected.
Security deposit handling
Under Maryland law, the security deposit is capped at 2 months' rent and must be returned within 45 days (with interest) after the tenant vacates the premises, minus any lawful deductions for unpaid rent or damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. A landlord who fails to comply with the statutory deadline may forfeit the right to make any deductions and — in several states — face double or triple damages.
For the full side-by-side, see our security deposit rules by state guide.
Late fees in Maryland
Cap: 5% of monthly rent. The late fee clause must appear in the signed lease — a landlord cannot impose a fee that was not agreed to in writing. See our late fee clause guide for drafting examples.
Ending a month-to-month tenancy
Either party may end a month-to-month tenancy in Maryland with 60 days (1 month for weekly) written notice. For cause-based termination (non-payment, lease violations), see our eviction notice guide.
Neighbouring states
Virginia
Pennsylvania
Delaware
West Virginia
Compare rental agreement rules in all 50 US states →
Frequently asked questions
How much security deposit can a landlord charge in Maryland?
In Maryland, the statutory limit is 2 months' rent. The deposit must be returned within 45 days (with interest) after the tenant vacates and provides a forwarding address.
How much notice is required to end a month-to-month tenancy in Maryland?
60 days (1 month for weekly) written notice is the standard in Maryland for either party to end a month-to-month tenancy, subject to any local rent-control rules.
Does Maryland have rent control?
Local (Takoma Park, Mount Rainier).
How much entry notice must a landlord give in Maryland?
Maryland requires Not specified (custom: 24h) of notice before a landlord can enter, except in emergencies.