Eviction in Maryland
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Maryland requires landlords to provide written notice and file a complaint in district court; courts may stay eviction in hardship cases.
How Maryland treats Eviction
Landlords must give written notice allowing 30 days to cure for nonpayment of rent or other lease violations before filing suit. The landlord files a complaint for ejectment in the district court, and the tenant receives a summons and opportunity to respond. Maryland courts have discretion to stay or delay eviction in cases of tenant hardship, particularly during economic crises. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a judgment for possession and may award rent and court costs.
The general definition of Eviction
The legal process by which a landlord removes a tenant from rental property.
Eviction is the formal legal process a landlord uses to force a tenant to leave the property. The landlord must have a valid reason—such as non-payment of rent, lease violation, or the end of the lease term—and must follow strict procedural rules, which vary by state. Typically, the landlord must give written notice (often 30 days or more), file a case in court, and obtain a judgment from a judge before the tenant can be physically removed. A tenant has the right to defend themselves in court and present their side of the story.
Read the full Eviction entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.