Laws by state / Maryland

Maryland landlord and tenant rules

The figures that decide most disputes between Maryland landlords and tenants, each with a calculator and the statute behind it.

Verified against the statutes 2026-10-22By RentByState Research

Rule	Maryland	Statute	Tool
Maximum security deposit	1 month's rent	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203	Deposit rules
Deposit return deadline	Within 45 days after the end of the tenancy, with accrued interest, less lawful deductions; itemized list of damages and costs must be sent within the same 45 days.	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203	Deposit rules
Interest on the deposit	Required	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203	Maryland interest calculator
Maximum late fee	5% of monthly rent	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208	Late fee calculator
Landlord notice, month-to-month	60 days	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402(c); § 8-209; § 8-401(c)	Notice calculator
Tenant notice, month-to-month	30 days	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402(c); § 8-209; § 8-401(c)	Notice calculator
Rent increase notice	90 days	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402(c); § 8-209; § 8-401(c)	Notice calculator
Pay-or-quit notice	10 days	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402(c); § 8-209; § 8-401(c)	Notice calculator
Rent increase cap	Montgomery County rent stabilization	Montgomery County Bill 15-23 (Rent Stabilization), County Code Chapter 29	Montgomery County rent stabilization calculator

Security deposits in Maryland

Maryland limits security deposits to 1 month's rent. The deposit must be returned within 45 days after the end of the tenancy, with accrued interest, less lawful deductions; itemized list of damages and costs must be sent within the same 45 days.. Maryland is one of the states that requires interest on the deposit. Cap lowered from 2 months to 1 month effective 2024-10-01 by HB 693, Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024 (Ch. 124). Up to 2 months allowed if tenant receives utility assistance and agrees in writing. Overcharge: tenant may recover up to 3x the excess plus fees. Interest: simple interest at the greater of 1.5%/yr or the 1-year U.S. Treasury yield as of the first business day of the year, accruing monthly, only on deposits of $50 or more held at least 6 months. Full deposit rules and move-out checklist.

Late fees in Maryland

Maryland caps late fees at 5% of the monthly rent. There is no statutory grace period, so the lease controls when the fee starts. Calculate the maximum fee.

Notice periods in Maryland

A Maryland landlord must give 60 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy, and a tenant must give 30 days. A rent increase needs 90 days’ notice. For nonpayment, the landlord must serve a 10-day notice to pay or quit before filing for eviction. Calculate the effective date of a notice.

Rent increase limits in Maryland

Montgomery County rent stabilization: CPI-U plus 3%, capped at 6%. Published each year for increases effective from 1 July.

Deposit interest in Maryland

Maryland: 3.47% for 2026 (greater of 1.5% or the 1-year Treasury yield). Every residential landlord in Maryland. Interest is owed on deposits of $50 or more held for at least six months.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Maryland?

1 month's rent. Cap lowered from 2 months to 1 month effective 2024-10-01 by HB 693, Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024 (Ch. 124). Up to 2 months allowed if tenant receives utility assistance and agrees in writing. Overcharge: tenant may recover up to 3x the excess plus fees. Interest: simple interest at the greater of 1.5%/yr or the 1-year U.S. Treasury yield as of the first business day of the year, accruing monthly, only on deposits of $50 or more held at least 6 months.

What is the maximum late fee for rent in Maryland?

5% of monthly rent. Late fee may not exceed 5% of the unpaid rent due for the rental period; for weekly tenancies, max $3 per week and $12 per month. No statutory grace period.

How much notice does a landlord have to give a tenant to move out in Maryland?

60 days’ written notice for a month-to-month tenancy. Landlord: 60 days' written notice before the end of the rental period for month-to-month (90 days year-to-year; 7 days week-to-week with written lease, 21 without). Tenant: oral notice at least 30 days before expiration suffices, except in Baltimore City. Reduced 30-60 day periods apply in some foreclosure situations.

How long is a pay-or-quit notice in Maryland?

10 days. The tenant can stop the eviction by paying the full amount within that time.