Can My Landlord Sell the House I'm Renting in Maryland? Your Rights Explained

If you’re renting a home in Maryland and your landlord suddenly tells you they’re selling the house, it’s normal to feel anxious. What happens to your lease? Do you have to leave? Can they kick you out just because the property changed hands? The short answer: no, your landlord can sell the house you’re renting-but you still have legal protections. Maryland law is clear: your rights as a tenant don’t disappear just because the owner changes.

Your Lease Still Applies After the Sale

When a landlord sells a rental property in Maryland, the new owner steps into the previous owner’s shoes. That means your lease agreement-whether it’s written or oral-stays in effect. If you signed a one-year lease, the new owner must honor it until the end date. They can’t raise your rent, change the terms, or force you out early just because they bought the house.

This isn’t just common sense-it’s state law. Under Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-208, a sale of rental property does not terminate a valid lease. The new owner becomes the landlord by default. They inherit all responsibilities: repairs, security deposit handling, and following the same rules your old landlord did.

What If You’re on a Month-to-Month Lease?

If you don’t have a fixed-term lease and are renting month to month, the rules are different-but still protective. Maryland requires landlords to give at least 60 days’ written notice before ending a month-to-month tenancy. That rule applies whether the landlord is selling the house or just deciding to move back in.

So if your landlord sells the house, the new owner can’t evict you immediately. They must still give you 60 days’ notice to vacate. And they can’t give that notice until after the sale closes. That means you might have 60 days from the date the new owner sends the notice, not from the date the house was listed for sale.

You Don’t Have to Let Buyers Tour the House Whenever They Want

Selling a house means showings. But your privacy still matters. Maryland law says landlords (and their agents) must give you at least 24 hours’ notice before entering your rental unit for showings. They can’t just show up unannounced, even if the buyer is ready to make an offer.

Entry is only allowed during reasonable hours-typically between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. And they can’t do showings more than twice a week unless you agree. If your landlord is pushing for daily tours or showing up without notice, that’s a violation. Document it. Keep a log of dates and times. You have the right to quiet enjoyment of your home.

What About the Security Deposit?

Landlords in Maryland must handle security deposits carefully. When the property sells, the original landlord must either:

• Transfer the deposit to the new owner in writing, or
• Return it to you within 45 days after you move out

If the deposit is transferred, the new owner must send you a written notice within 30 days of the sale, confirming they now hold your deposit and stating the amount. They must also include their contact information and the name of the bank where it’s held.

If the landlord doesn’t do this, you can file a claim in small claims court to get your deposit back-and you may be entitled to triple the amount plus court fees. Maryland takes security deposit violations seriously.

Can the New Owner Raise Your Rent?

Not during your lease term. If you’re under a fixed-term lease (like 12 months), the new owner can’t increase your rent until the lease ends. Even then, they can’t raise it mid-lease.

After the lease ends, the new owner can raise the rent-but only if they give you proper notice. For month-to-month tenants, that’s 60 days. For fixed-term leases, they must notify you at least 60 days before the lease expires if they plan to change the rent or not renew.

Maryland has no statewide rent control, so increases can be large. But they can’t be retaliatory or discriminatory. If your rent jumps 50% overnight after you complain about a broken heater, that’s a red flag.

What If the New Owner Wants You to Leave Early?

They can’t force you out before your lease ends unless you break the terms (like not paying rent or damaging the property). Even if the buyer wants to live in the house, they must wait until your lease expires.

There’s one exception: if your lease includes a clause allowing early termination if the property is sold. But that clause must be in writing, clearly worded, and signed by both parties. If it’s buried in fine print or not in your lease at all, it doesn’t count.

If the new owner tries to pressure you-by turning off utilities, changing locks, or threatening eviction-they’re breaking Maryland law. That’s illegal eviction. You can call local housing authorities or file a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office.

How to Protect Yourself When a Landlord Sells

Here’s what you should do right away:

1. Keep a copy of your lease and all rent receipts.
2. Write down the date you’re notified of the sale.
3. Ask for written confirmation of the new owner’s name, address, and contact info.
4. Request a written statement about your security deposit transfer.
5. Record any entry into your home for showings-take photos or notes.
6. If you’re unsure about your rights, contact Maryland Legal Aid at 1-800-655-7858. They offer free help to renters.

Common Myths About Selling Rental Homes in Maryland

• Myth: "The new owner can evict me immediately."
  Truth: No. You stay until your lease ends or they give 60 days’ notice.
• Myth: "Rent goes up as soon as the sale closes."
  Truth: Only after your lease expires and with proper notice.
• Myth: "I have to let buyers come in anytime."
  Truth: You get 24 hours’ notice and can limit showings to reasonable hours.
• Myth: "My landlord doesn’t have to tell me they’re selling."
  Truth: While they don’t need to announce the sale, they must tell you in writing if they plan to terminate your tenancy.

What If You’re Evicted Illegally?

If someone tries to lock you out, cut your power, or throw your stuff on the street, that’s illegal. Maryland law treats this as a criminal offense. You don’t have to move. Call the police. File a complaint with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. You can also sue for damages-up to three times your monthly rent plus attorney fees.

Don’t wait. Document everything: photos of locked doors, messages from the new owner, dates of utility cutoffs. The law is on your side-but you have to speak up.

Where to Get Help in Maryland

You’re not alone. Several free resources are available:

• Maryland Legal Aid: Free legal advice for low- and moderate-income renters. Call 1-800-655-7858.
• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development: Handles complaints about illegal evictions and unsafe conditions. Visit dhcd.maryland.gov.
• Local Tenant Unions: Groups like Baltimore Tenants United or DC Tenants Union offer workshops and peer support.

Knowing your rights won’t stop a landlord from selling-but it will keep you in your home, protect your money, and give you power when things get messy.

Next Steps If Your Landlord Is Selling

If you’re facing a sale, here’s what to do next:

• Review your lease-look for any sale-related clauses.
• Write down all communication from your landlord or agent about the sale.
• Confirm in writing who now owns the property and how to pay rent.
• Keep your rent receipts and deposit records safe.
• If anything feels off, reach out to Maryland Legal Aid. They don’t charge for rental help.

You didn’t sign up for this stress-but you don’t have to face it alone. Maryland’s rental laws exist to protect you. Use them.