Maryland Tenant Rights Guide
Security deposits, eviction laws, rent control, and tenant protections in Maryland
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Maryland landlord-tenant law (Md. Code Real Prop. § 8-201 et seq.) caps security deposits at 2 months' rent and requires return within 45 days with an itemized statement. No statewide entry notice period is defined. Tenants may petition the court to place rent in escrow until serious habitability defects are repaired — a "rent escrow" remedy rather than direct repair-and-deduct.
Security Deposit Max
2 months's rent
Deposit Return
45 days
Entry Notice Required
Not required
Rent Control
Not permitted
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
Repair & Deduct
Not allowed
Detailed Protections
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Security Deposit Limit
2 months' rent (Md. Real Prop. § 8-203)
Protection Exists
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Deposit Return Period
45 days after move-out with itemized statement
Protection Exists
⚠️
Entry Notice Required
No statewide statute — reasonable notice expected
Limited Protection
⚠️
Rent Control
No statewide law; Takoma Park and parts of Montgomery Co. have local ordinances
Limited Protection
❌
Repair & Deduct
Not allowed — rent escrow via court available (§ 8-211)
No Protection
❌
Just Cause Eviction
Not required statewide
No Protection
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Retaliation Protection
Prohibited — Md. Real Prop. § 8-208.1
Protection Exists
Last reviewed 2026. Laws change — verify with your state attorney general or a local tenant rights organization.
Common Questions
🔍 Maryland tenant rights🔍 Maryland security deposit law🔍 Maryland rent escrow🔍 Maryland eviction rules