Maryland Rental Lease Laws: What Your Lease Can and Can't Say
Everything below is generated from our Maryland law database — the same statute-backed rules our analyzer uses to check leases. Prohibited clauses and required disclosures include their statute citations.
Educational information: this page summarizes Maryland landlord-tenant law for renters. It is not legal advice. Laws change — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.
Maryland lease rules at a glance
| Security deposit limit | 1 month's rent |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 45 days |
| Interest on deposits | required |
| Landlord entry notice | 24 hours |
| Late fee cap | 5% of monthly rent |
| Rent grace period | no statutory grace period |
| Prohibited lease clauses | 4 clause types restricted |
| Required disclosures | 4 disclosures required |
Maryland lease law guides
- Maryland Security Deposit Limit1 month's rent
- Maryland Deposit Return Deadline45 days
- Maryland Deposit Interest Rulesinterest required
- Maryland Landlord Entry Notice24 hours
- Maryland Late Fee Laws5% of monthly rent
- Maryland Rent Grace Periodno statutory grace period
- Maryland Prohibited Lease Clauses4 restricted clause types
- Maryland Required Disclosures4 required disclosures
Lease clauses restricted under Maryland law
- Waiver of implied warranty of habitabilityLikely Illegal
- Waiver of tenant rightsLikely Illegal
- Confession of judgment clauseLikely Illegal
All 4 prohibited clause types in Maryland, with statute citations →
Disclosures Maryland landlords must provide
- Lead Paint
- Tenant Rights
- Move-In Checklist
All 4 required disclosures in Maryland, explained with citations →
Check Your Lease Against Maryland Law
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Maryland lease law FAQ
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maryland?
- Maryland generally limits security deposits to 1 month's rent. Conditions can apply — see the Maryland security deposit limit guide for details.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maryland?
- Generally 45 days after move-out. Conditions can apply — see the Maryland deposit return deadline guide for details.
- Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in Maryland?
- Yes — Maryland law requires interest on held security deposits in covered rentals. Conditions can apply — see the Maryland deposit interest rules guide for details.
- How much notice does a landlord need to enter my apartment in Maryland?
- Generally at least 24 hours. Conditions can apply — see the Maryland landlord entry notice guide for details.
- Is there a limit on late fees in Maryland?
- Yes — late fees are generally capped at 5% of monthly rent. Conditions can apply — see the Maryland late fee laws guide for details.
- How many days late can rent be before fees in Maryland?
- There is no statutory grace period in Maryland; rent is late the day after it is due unless your lease says otherwise. Conditions can apply — see the Maryland rent grace period guide for details.
- What lease clauses are illegal in Maryland?
- Maryland law restricts 4 clause types tracked in our database, such as: waiver of implied warranty of habitability; waiver of tenant rights; confession of judgment clause.
- What disclosures must a landlord provide in Maryland?
- Maryland requires: Lead Paint (Disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards for housing built before 1978); Tenant Rights (Maryland Tenants Bill of Rights must be provided at lease signing (2024)); Move-In Checklist (Written inventory of condition at move-in); Habitability (Disclosure of any housing code violations).
More renter resources
Sources: state statutes cited above. Data last updated 2024-10-01. Educational information only — not legal advice.