What is the security deposit limit in Maryland?

Maryland caps security deposits at 1 month rent (reduced from 2 months by HB 693, effective Oct. 1, 2024; Md. Real Prop. 8-203). Deposits held more than 6 months must accrue interest at a set annual rate.

Does Maryland have rent control?

Maryland has limited rent stabilization in Montgomery County and Prince George's County, but no statewide rent control. These county programs limit rent increases for covered properties.

What is the entry notice requirement in Maryland?

Maryland now requires at least 24 hours written notice before entry, generally 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday (Md. Real Prop. 8-221, effective Oct. 1, 2025), except in emergencies.

How long does a Maryland landlord have to return a security deposit?

45 days from move-out, with an itemized list of deductions. The landlord must also account for any interest earned on the deposit.

What tenant rights does Maryland provide for habitability violations?

Maryland tenants may withhold rent, use 'rent escrow' (paying rent into court escrow), or terminate the lease for serious habitability violations. Written notice to the landlord is required before exercising these rights.

Maryland Tenant Rights & Lease Laws

Security Deposit Rules

Maximum Deposit 1 month

Return Deadline 45 days after move-out

Interest Required No

Notice Requirements

Landlord Entry Notice 24 hours

Lease Termination Notice (Month-to-Month) 30 days

Rent Increase Notice 30 days

Maryland leases in suburban DC that don't reflect Montgomery County's rent stabilization protections. Baltimore commercial leases in older buildings with maintenance provisions that shift capital repair costs to tenants. Auto-renewal clauses in a market where rents have risen sharply in the DC suburbs.

Rent Control

Rent Control: Yes (some jurisdictions)

Habitability & Repair Requirements

Maryland landlords are required to maintain rental units in habitable condition. Maryland is moderately tenant-friendly statewide with a 1-month deposit cap (as of October 2024) and a 24-hour entry-notice statute (as of October 2025). Montgomery and Prince George's counties provide significantly stronger local protections including rent stabilization. Baltimore City has its own ordinances.

Eviction Process

The DC Metro area drives Maryland's commercial and residential demand. Bethesda, Rockville, and Silver Spring command premium rents with vacancy rates under 5%. Baltimore's commercial market has struggled with office vacancy post-pandemic. Annapolis benefits from state government and Naval Academy presence.

Tenant Protections & Notable Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the security deposit limit in Maryland?: Maryland caps security deposits at 1 month rent (reduced from 2 months by HB 693, Md. Real Prop. §8-203, effective Oct. 1, 2024). Deposits held more than 6 months must accrue interest at a set annual rate. (Verified June 2026.)
Does Maryland have rent control?: Maryland has limited rent stabilization in Montgomery County and Prince George's County, but no statewide rent control. These county programs limit rent increases for covered properties.
What is the entry notice requirement in Maryland?: Maryland now requires at least 24 hours written notice before entry, generally 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday (Md. Real Prop. §8-221, effective Oct. 1, 2025), except in emergencies. (Verified June 2026.)
How long does a Maryland landlord have to return a security deposit?: 45 days from move-out, with an itemized list of deductions. The landlord must also account for any interest earned on the deposit.
What tenant rights does Maryland provide for habitability violations?: Maryland tenants may withhold rent, use 'rent escrow' (paying rent into court escrow), or terminate the lease for serious habitability violations. Written notice to the landlord is required before exercising these rights.

Cities in Maryland

Find city-specific lease guides for major markets in Maryland: