Maryland Renters’ Rights and Landlord Responsibilities

Both landlords and tenants in Maryland have legal rights and obligations under Md. Code, Real Property, Title 8.

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Tenant Rights:

• Right to a safe and habitable rental unit

• Protection against unlawful eviction

• Right to privacy, with proper notice for landlord entry (usually 24 hours)

• Right to return of security deposit (minus lawful deductions)

• Ability to withhold rent under certain conditions (e.g., unaddressed maintenance issues)

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Landlord Responsibilities:

• Maintain the property to meet health and safety codes

• Provide essential services like heat, water, and electricity

• Follow proper eviction procedures

• Return security deposits within 45 days of lease termination

• Abide by Maryland's fair housing regulations

Failing to comply with these laws can result in legal disputes, fines, and potential lawsuits.

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Compliance with Fair Housing Laws in Maryland

The Maryland Fair Housing Act aligns with federal laws prohibiting discrimination in housing transactions.

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Protected Classes in Maryland:

Landlords cannot refuse housing based on:
✔ Race, color, or national origin
✔ Religion or sex
✔ Disability or familial status
✔ Marital status, gender identity, or sexual orientation
✔ Source of income (e.g., housing vouchers)

Common Fair Housing Violations:

• Refusing to rent to tenants based on protected characteristics

• Charging higher rent or deposits based on race, gender, or disability

• Setting different lease terms for certain tenants

• Failure to provide reasonable accommodations for disabled tenants

Violations can lead to lawsuits, fines, and loss of rental licenses.

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Security Deposits in Maryland

Maryland law strictly regulates how landlords handle security deposits.

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Key Security Deposit Rules:

✅ Maximum deposit: No more than two months’ rent
✅ Interest payments: Landlords must pay 3% annual interest on deposits
✅ Written receipts: Required if deposit is in cash
✅ Return deadline: Within 45 days of lease termination
✅ Deductions allowed: Unpaid rent, damages beyond wear and tear

If landlords fail to return security deposits in time, tenants may be entitled to three times the withheld amount plus legal fees.

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Maintenance Responsibilities of Landlords in Maryland

Under Maryland law, landlords must ensure rental properties meet habitability standards.

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Landlord Maintenance Duties:

🔹 Provide functioning plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
🔹 Ensure the unit is free from pests and mold
🔹 Maintain structural integrity (roof, walls, flooring)
🔹 Make necessary repairs within a reasonable timeframe
🔹 Keep common areas clean and safe

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Tenant Remedies for Landlord Violations:

• Withholding rent (only in court-approved escrow accounts)

• Filing complaints with local housing authorities

• Seeking compensation for damages or relocation costs

Ignoring maintenance responsibilities can result in legal action, rent withholding, or even lawsuits.

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Eviction Procedures for Maryland Landlords

Maryland law has strict guidelines landlords must follow when evicting tenants.

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Valid Reasons for Eviction:

✔ Nonpayment of rent (with 10-day notice to pay or quit)
✔ Lease violations (with written notice and chance to correct)
✔ Property damage or illegal activity
✔ End of lease term (with proper notice)

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Legal Eviction Process:

1️⃣ Provide written notice (timeframe depends on the reason)
2️⃣ File a court complaint if the tenant does not comply
3️⃣ Attend the eviction hearing
4️⃣ Obtain a court order for eviction
5️⃣ Schedule a sheriff-supervised removal

📌 Important: Landlords cannot force tenants out by changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing belongings—these are illegal evictions.

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Final Thoughts

Maryland’s landlord-tenant laws are designed to protect both parties, ensuring fairness in rental agreements. Landlords must comply with security deposit laws, fair housing regulations, and eviction procedures, while tenants should be aware of their rights to habitability, privacy, and deposit refunds.

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By understanding these laws, landlords can avoid legal disputes, while tenants can safeguard their housing rights.