Maryland Landlord Entry: Your Rights and Rules for Property Access

When a Maryland landlord entry, the legal right of a property owner to enter a rented unit. Also known as landlord access, it’s not a free pass—there are strict rules under Maryland’s landlord-tenant law that protect renters from surprise visits and harassment. Many tenants think landlords can walk in anytime, but that’s not true. In Maryland, landlords must give at least 24 hours notice before entering, unless it’s an emergency like a burst pipe or fire. Even then, they still need to act reasonably and only enter the parts of the unit directly affected.

This rule isn’t just about privacy—it’s about trust. Landlords can enter for repairs, inspections, showings to new tenants, or to check for violations, but only during normal business hours (usually 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.). If they show up without notice, you can legally refuse entry. And if they keep doing it? You can file a complaint with the Maryland Renters’ Rights Bureau or even take them to small claims court. One tenant in Baltimore won $2,000 in damages after her landlord entered her apartment six times in three weeks without notice. She kept a log of each visit, took photos, and filed a formal letter. That’s how you win.

It’s not just about entry—it’s about what happens after. If your landlord enters and then fails to return your security deposit, the money held to cover damages beyond normal wear and tear within 45 days, you’re entitled to double that amount under Maryland law. That’s not a suggestion—it’s a requirement. And if they claim you damaged the place but can’t prove it with move-in/move-out photos? You win again. Many landlords skip the inspection checklist, forget to document conditions, and then guess what? They lose in court.

What about showings? Can they bring strangers into your home while you’re at work? Yes—but only if they give you 24 hours’ notice and limit it to a reasonable number of visits. You can even ask them to schedule showings on weekends or after work. You’re not being difficult—you’re being smart. One landlord in Gaithersburg got fined after showing a unit 12 times in one month without coordinating with the tenant. The tenant had a newborn and was working night shifts. The court ruled the landlord acted in bad faith.

And don’t forget: you can’t be evicted just because you said no to an illegal entry. Maryland law protects you from retaliation. If your rent goes up after you file a complaint, or your heat gets turned off, that’s illegal. Document everything. Save texts, emails, voicemails. Write down dates and times. You don’t need a lawyer to start—just a notebook and a clear head.

The posts below cover real cases, legal loopholes, and what landlords actually do behind the scenes. You’ll find stories from tenants who stood their ground, landlords who got caught cutting corners, and step-by-step guides on how to handle an illegal entry without panicking. Whether you’re renting a basement apartment in Silver Spring or a townhouse in Columbia, these rules apply to you. No one should feel unsafe in their own home. This isn’t about being difficult—it’s about knowing your rights and using them.