Maryland tenant rights
Updated for 2024: The Maryland Guide for Tenants
Finding a new rental in Maryland can be a challenge, due to the complexity of Maryland landlord-tenant law. Our updated tenant guide includes information on: How to find a good rental How to calculate affordability Things to look out for when researching a Maryland landlord or property management company What to do when something goes wrong Updates for 2024: We've added information about the Access to Counsel in Evictions coordinated intake program, and added information on Maryland's eviction shield law that went into effect October 1, 2024. You can download your free copy of the Tenant Guide here. If you ...
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 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 case ...
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 ...
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 ...
My Landlord Won’t Make Repairs! Now What?
We get quite a few inquiries from tenants who are living in unimaginable circumstances. No heat or hot water in the winter, basements and walls covered in black mold, leaky roof, flooded basements, even a collapsed ceiling or two, and they’ve contacted the landlord to ask about repairs and maintenance. Their circumstances may vary, but the question at the end of the email is generally the same: “What can I do now?” Let’s rewind a little, and go back to when the problems first started. We’ll assume that you alerted your landlord to the problem immediately. We’ll even give the ...
New for 2023: The Tenant Guide!
Finding a new rental in Maryland can be a challenge, especially in 2023, so we’ve distilled a lot of tips and tricks into one easy-to-use tenant guide. It includes information on: How to find a good rental How to calculate affordability Things to look out for when researching the landlord or management company What to do when something goes wrong You can download your free copy of the Tenant Guide here. If you still have concerns about the property you’re living in, you’re always welcome to send us an intake form or call our tenant line Tuesday through Friday, from 10 AM ...