Maryland Eviction Laws: What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know

When a landlord in Maryland eviction laws, the legal rules governing how landlords can remove tenants from rental properties. Also known as Maryland landlord-tenant law, it sets strict limits on how and when someone can be forced out of their home. These rules aren’t just paperwork—they protect real people from sudden displacement, unfair fees, or illegal lockouts.

Under these laws, a landlord can’t just kick someone out. They must first give a written notice—either a notice to quit, a formal demand for the tenant to fix a problem or leave within a set time—like 14 days for unpaid rent or 30 days for lease violations. If the tenant doesn’t respond, the landlord must file with the court. No sheriff, no lock change, no threats. Only a judge can authorize an eviction. And even then, the tenant gets a chance to show up in court and defend themselves. This isn’t optional. It’s the law.

Security deposits are another big piece. If a landlord withholds part of your deposit, they must send a written explanation within 45 days after you move out. No itemized list? No deduction. Period. And if they don’t return it at all? You can sue for up to three times the amount plus court costs. These rules exist because bad actors have abused power for too long. Maryland’s system tries to balance fairness—landlords need to get paid and protect their property, but tenants deserve stability and dignity.

What about emergencies? Can a landlord walk in anytime? No. They need at least 24 hours’ notice for non-emergency visits—unless you’ve given permission or there’s a real threat like a burst pipe or fire. That’s not just courtesy; it’s a legal right. And if you’re being harassed, threatened, or cut off from utilities? That’s illegal retaliation. You can report it, and the court can stop the eviction.

There’s also a difference between eviction for non-payment and eviction for no reason. In Maryland, if you’re on a month-to-month lease, the landlord can ask you to leave without cause—but only with 60 days’ notice. No sudden eviction. No last-minute surprise. And if you’re in public housing or have a Section 8 voucher? Extra protections kick in. You can’t be kicked out just because your income changed slightly. The system has checks.

These laws don’t make evictions easy—but they make them fair. They force landlords to follow steps, give time, and prove their case. For tenants, they’re a shield. For responsible landlords, they’re a clear path. And if you’re caught in the middle? You’re not alone. There are legal aid groups, tenant unions, and court clerks who can help you understand what’s happening.

Below, you’ll find real cases and guides that show exactly how these rules play out in practice—from what a 14-day notice looks like, to how to respond when your landlord skips the court process, to what happens when a security deposit vanishes. These aren’t hypotheticals. They’re stories from people who’ve been there—and what they learned the hard way.