Tenant Rights in Maryland
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Maryland requires landlords to maintain habitable premises and provide 30 days' notice for month-to-month tenancies; repair-and-deduct is available.
How Maryland treats Tenant Rights
Maryland law requires landlords to maintain rental properties in habitable condition, including functioning utilities, safe structures, and protection from pests and mold. Tenants may repair-and-deduct for necessary repairs after providing written notice and allowing the landlord a reasonable time to respond. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide 30 days' written notice to terminate; for fixed-term leases, notice requirements depend on lease terms. Maryland also protects tenants from retaliation and allows tenants to break leases if the unit becomes uninhabitable through no fault of their own.
The general definition of Tenant Rights
Legal protections and entitlements that renters have regarding their leased property and living conditions.
Tenant rights are the legal protections that renters enjoy in their rental homes or apartments. These rights typically include the right to a habitable space (one that is safe, clean, and meets building codes), the right to privacy (landlords cannot enter without notice), and the right to be free from discrimination based on protected characteristics like race or disability. Tenants also have the right to organize, to have repairs made in a timely manner, and to receive proper notice before eviction. The specific rights vary by state and local law.
Read the full Tenant Rights 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.