Landlord Harassment Maryland: Your Rights and What to Do

When a landlord harassment Maryland, the illegal or intimidating behavior by a property owner to force a tenant out or extract extra payments. Also known as tenant intimidation, it’s not just rude—it’s against the law in Maryland. You have rights, even if your lease says otherwise. Many landlords think they can enter anytime, cut off utilities, or threaten eviction just because they own the property. They can’t. Maryland law is clear: your home is your sanctuary, and your landlord must respect that.

Common forms of landlord harassment Maryland, the illegal or intimidating behavior by a property owner to force a tenant out or extract extra payments. Also known as tenant intimidation, it’s not just rude—it’s against the law in Maryland. include showing up without notice, changing locks without permission, shutting off water or heat, or making repeated threats. Some even show up late at night, leave threatening notes, or refuse to make repairs just to push you out. These aren’t just annoyances—they’re violations of the Maryland landlord entry, the legal rules governing when and how a landlord can enter a rental unit. Also known as tenant privacy rights, it’s protected under the Maryland Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. You’re entitled to 24 hours’ notice for non-emergencies, and even then, only during reasonable hours. If your landlord ignores that, you’re not overreacting—you’re standing up for your legal rights.

And it’s not just about entry. If your landlord holds onto your security deposit return Maryland, the legal requirement for a landlord to return a tenant’s security deposit within 45 days after move-out, with itemized deductions. Also known as deposit withholding, failure to comply triggers automatic penalties under Maryland law. past 45 days, or claims damage you didn’t cause, that’s harassment too. The law says they must return it with a written list of deductions—or pay you double the amount. No gray area. No excuses. And if they’re constantly raising rent without notice, ignoring repair requests, or pressuring you to leave before your lease ends? That’s not management—it’s coercion.

You’re not alone. Thousands of tenants in Baltimore, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County face this every year. Most don’t know their options. But you do now. Below, you’ll find real cases, clear steps, and legal tools that actually work. No fluff. No jargon. Just what to do next—whether you’re dealing with a rogue landlord, a withheld deposit, or illegal entry. This isn’t about fear. It’s about power. And you have it.