Maryland Rental Lease Agreement Templates

Types (6)

Commercial (PDF)

For leasing commercially-zoned property to one or more businesses for office, retail, or industrial use.

Lease-to-Own (PDF)

A lease-purchase contract that gives tenants the legal right to buy the rental property after leasing it for a specified period.

Month-to-Month

A periodic lease that automatically renews each month until either party provides at least 1 month’s written notice to terminate.

Roommate (PDF)

Brings roommates sharing a rental property onto the same page over daily matters like cleaning, guests, bills, and pets.

Standard (Residential)

Covers the rental of residential property in Maryland for a fixed period, typically 1 year, and must comply with state landlord-tenant law.

Sublease (PDF)

A secondary agreement between a tenant and a new occupant to transfer the remaining lease obligations for part or all of the remaining term.

What is a Maryland Lease Agreement?

A Maryland lease agreement is a legal document that covers the terms of a tenancy between a property owner and a renter. It records the rent, permitted uses, maintenance duties, and conditions under which the lease may be terminated.

Maryland requires landlords to return security deposits within 45 days of the tenant moving out. Tenants have the right to be present during a final move-out inspection, and the state enforces strict building code standards that apply to all occupied rental units.

State Laws & Guides

Laws: Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-101 et seq. – Landlord and Tenant

Guides:

• Maryland Landlord-Tenant Handbook (PDF)
• Tips on Avoiding Disputes (PDF)
• REALTORS Guide for Montgomery County (PDF)

When is Rent Due?

Maryland does not specify a default rent due date. The lease agreement determines when rent is due. Late fees are capped at 5% of the monthly rent amount. For weekly rent payments, late fees cannot exceed $3 per week or $12 per month.[1] There is no state-mandated grace period.

Landlord’s Access

Emergency: Landlords may enter without notice in an emergency.[6]

Non-Emergency: Landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ notice before entering and may only do so at reasonable times.[6]

Landlord’s Duties

Under Maryland law, landlords must:[2]

• Habitability: Make the premises available in a condition permitting habitation with reasonable safety.
• Building Codes: Comply with all applicable building, housing, and health codes.
• Repairs: Make all necessary repairs to keep the unit fit and habitable.
• Common Areas: Keep shared spaces clean and in a safe condition.
• Systems: Maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and sanitary systems in good working order.
• Running Water: Supply adequate running water and heat.

Tenant’s Duties

Tenants must comply with the following:[2]

• Building Codes: Comply with all applicable building and housing codes relating to health and safety.
• Cleanliness: Keep the rental unit reasonably clean.
• Trash: Dispose of garbage in a safe manner.
• Appliances & Systems: Use all facilities and appliances in the manner they are intended.
• Property Care: Do not damage, deface, or alter any part of the premises.
• Quiet Enjoyment: Do not disturb other tenants’ peaceful enjoyment of the property.

Required Disclosures

Names, Addresses, and Phone Numbers (§ 8-210): The landlord must provide the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the landlord or authorized agent in the lease or posted in a conspicuous place on the property.[3]

Habitation Statement (§ 8-208): The lease must state that the premises will be made available in a condition permitting habitation with reasonable safety, and must outline each party’s obligations regarding heat, gas, electricity, water, and repairs.[1]

Security Deposit Receipt (§ 8-203(c)): After collecting a security deposit, the landlord must provide the tenant with a written receipt.[4]

Foreclosure Notice (§ 7-105.3): If the property is subject to a pending foreclosure, the landlord must notify the tenant in writing before the lease is signed.[7]

Lead-Based Paint: Required under federal law for all dwellings built before 1978. The landlord must disclose known lead hazards and provide the EPA information pamphlet.[5]

Security Deposits

Maximum Amount: The security deposit cannot exceed 1 month’s rent for leases signed on or after October 1, 2024. Previously, the cap was 2 months’ rent.[4]

Holding Requirements: The deposit must be placed in a federally insured financial institution within 30 days of receipt, in an account located in Maryland that is devoted exclusively to security deposits and bears interest.[4]

Returning to Tenant: The deposit must be returned within 45 days of the tenancy ending. If any portion is withheld, the landlord must send an itemized list of damages and costs by first-class mail to the tenant’s last known address within the same period.[4]

Deposit Interest: Landlords must pay simple interest at the daily US Treasury yield curve rate for 1 year or 1.5% per year, whichever is greater. No interest is owed if the deposit is less than $50 or held for less than 6 months.[4]

Uses of the Deposit: Landlords may deduct for:[4]

• Unpaid rent
• Damage to the premises beyond normal wear and tear
• Breach of the lease agreement