Maryland Tenant Advocacy and Maryland Renters Rights
Maryland Eviction Shielding Law Goes Into Effect
As of October 1, 2024, a Maryland tenant has the right to file an application with the District Court to shield court records that relate to eviction filings if the tenant paid the amount owed prior to the eviction and stayed in the property, and if it's been 12 months since the eviction order was issued. You can use this form and file with the correct Maryland District Court location. Also, the Maryland District Court is required to shield all the Failure to Pay Rent (FTPR) eviction records within 60 days of the final resolution of the case, and the ...
Maryland Code Enforcement, Inspection, and Zoning Agencies
Click on a link below to go to that county's code enforcement office, and procedures for filing a housing or other complaint. Allegany County Anne Arundel County Baltimore City Baltimore County Calvert County Caroline County Carroll County Cecil County Charles County Dorchester County Frederick County Garrett County Harford County Howard County Kent County: (410) 778-7437 Montgomery County Prince George's County Queen Anne's County St. Mary's County Somerset County Talbot County Washington County Wicomico County Worcester County If you have questions on a Maryland tenant-landlord matter, please fill out our tenant advocacy intake form here.
Maryland Housing Services Publications
Maryland Landlord-Tenant and Fair Housing Publications Please click on a topic below, to download a one-page fact sheet or guide. Fact sheets and other publications are in PDF format. Maryland landlord-Tenant Fact SheetsAir ConditioningRent EscrowRatio Utility Billing (RUBS)Security DepositsMaryland Mold LawMaryland Eviction Facts for RentersMaryland Fair Housing Fact SheetsDisability RightsSource of Income DiscriminationMaryland Protected Classes Cheat SheetEmotional Support and Service Animal FactsGuides Our comprehensive Tenant Guide is updated each year, as laws change. You’ll find information on how to choose a suitable property, what’s allowed in a lease, and how to find information on your prospective landlord, ...
2024 Legislative Session: HB832/SB839 and HB328 Bill Signing
On Thursday, May 16th, we celebrated as two of our priority bills from the 2024 Legislative Session were signed into law by Governor Moore. HB832/SB839, sponsored by Delegate Vaughn Stewart and Senator Charles Sydnor, allows nominal damages to be awarded for violations of consumer laws. HB328, sponsored by Delegate Lesley Lopez, prohibits Maryland hospitals from using geographic service area tests and non-monetary asset tests to deny income-eligible patients free or reduced cost care.
News for Prince George’s County Tenants
Prince George's County Rent Stabilization Act Extended to October 17, 2024 On April 17, 2024, CB-008-2024 went into effect, extending the Rent Stabilization Act to October 17, 2024. Pursuant to the Rent Stabilization Act, CB-07-2023 and CB-51-2023, a landlord may not raise the existing rent above three percent (3%) per year. The three percent cap applies to tenants who are currently residing in their units and are renewing their leases during the effective period. The law applies to landlords who use month-to-month rental agreements or agreements/contracts to become month-to-month agreements after a fixed term. The rent increase limitation is applied ...
NEW: City of Frederick Rental Registration and Licensing Law
Starting January 1, 2024, landlords who own rental properties in the City of Frederick will be required to hold a valid rental license. The fee will be $240.00 and the license will be valid for a period of two years. In preparation for the upcoming requirement, the City has developed an online portal for landlords to register rental properties to prepare for the launch of the Rental Licensing Ordinance, an initiative aimed at ensuring safe housing for all renters in Frederick. Under the Rental Licensing Ordinance, rental units are mandated to meet specific standards, ensuring the safety, health, and comfort ...
Did You Know? Maryland is a Pay and Stay State
Maryland tenants have the right to pay all money owed after your landlord files for eviction, and stay in the home. This applies even when the sheriff or constable shows up to carry out the eviction. Even if the landlord still wants to evict you, the landlord is required to accept the money and allow you to stay. You must pay the full balance, including fees or court costs. There is an exception to this rule: You have three or more judgements against you in previous eviction cases, within the past 12 months Four or more judgements against you in ...
Renters’ Tax Credit Program
What is the Maryland Renters' Tax Credit Program? The Maryland Renter’s Tax Credit Program provides financial assistance to help low-income tenants with their rent. Although the program has been around for decades, few people eligible for the Maryland Renter’s Tax Credit even know it exists! The Renters' Tax Credit Program provides property tax credits for renters who meet certain requirements. The plan was modeled after and designed to be similar in principle to the Homeowners' Tax Credit Program, which is known to many as the ...
Baltimore City Rental Property Registration and Licensing Law
Non owner-occupied properties in Baltimore City are required to be registered with the City. Also, non owner-occupied rental properties also have to be inspected and licensed, in addition to the registration requirement. Baltimore's licensing law went into effect in 2018, and applies to single-family homes as well as multifamily properties (apartments), rental condos, etc. A Baltimore City landlord cannot charge or collect rent for a property that is not inspected and licensed. Please go here to download the sections of Baltimore City Code that cover registration, licensing, and inspections. (This link will open a PDF file). For more information on ...
Maryland Water Billing and Property Tax Payments Search by County
Note: Not all counties have online access to property tax and water bills. If a county is not listed below, the information is not available online. Allegany County: Property Taxes Water Billing Anne Arundel County: Property Taxes Water Billing Baltimore City: Property Taxes Water Billing Baltimore County: Property Taxes Water Billing (Baltimore County residents pay water bills to Baltimore City.) Calvert County: Property Taxes Carroll County: Property Taxes and Water Billing Cecil County: Property Taxes and Water Billing Charles County: Property Taxes Water Billing Dorchester County: Property Taxes Frederick County: Property Taxes and Water Billing Garrett County: Property Taxes and ...