Maryland tenant rights When there is a problem that affects habitability, health, or safety, the tenant must let the landlord know of the problem and give the landlord a reasonable amount of time to make the repairs or correct the condition. Tenants would have an opportunity to purchase the The Landlord-Tenant Handbook is an excellent guide to the basic rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. After receiving proper notice, a landlord must perform repairs within a “reasonable” time (usually under 30 days). Maryland's legal landscape for landlord-tenant interactions is founded on principles that foster equitable treatment and fair access to housing. Landlord-Tenant information from Maryland Courts. With a comprehensive suite of laws addressing landlord responsibilities Maryland, these regulations are pivotal in setting expectations and Maryland tenant rights and responsibilities Rights. I hope it will help renters to understand their rights and obligations as well as the remedies that are available under Maryland law. State law requires that a rental unit be safe and habitable, and that a landlord protect a tenant's right to quiet enjoyment. Maryland vows to provide tenants with safe and fair housing as well as protection when rights are violated. Established under the Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act, signed into law in 2024 by Governor Wes Moore, the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs provides residential tenants and landlords in Maryland with important information and services related to rental housing across the state. These references were compiled from the Maryland Code, the General Assembly Statutes, and various online sources to serve as a reference for people wanting to learn about Maryland landlord-tenant laws, Maryland eviction laws, and Maryland renters’ rights. When landlords collect the deposit, tenants should walk through the unit, noting any existing damage as a point of Text - Enrolled - Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024 Post Passage: 4/25/2024: 4/25/2024: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 124: Text - Chapter - Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024 Landlord-Tenant Booklet For more information about landlord and tenant laws and rights in Maryland, get a copy of the Attorney General’s booklet “Landlords and Tenants: Tips on Avoiding Disputes” by calling 410-528-8662 (toll-free in Maryland: 1-888-743-0023) or by visiting www. Transfer of Property – Right of First Refusal. But, if the court determines that the tenant filed the lawsuit in bad faith, then the court may order the tenant to pay the landlord’s attorney fees. Our tenant advocates advance housing justice in Maryland through direct service, research, and advocacy. e. For units with individual meters for water, gas, electricity, or other services billed to the tenant, tenant has the right of access to the meters. The first, known as "rent withholding," is when tenants decide to stop paying rent, claiming the mold has made their apartment uninhabitable. In certain jurisdictions, tenants may Title: Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act (HB693) for Landlords/Property Owners Handout Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent in Maryland. We are a multi-racial, people-centered movement to expand econo- Maryland tenants are entitled to a copy of the lease before appl- A lease is a binding contract between a landlord and a tenant. Maryland Attorney General's Tips on Avoiding Landlord-Tenant Disputes and Eviction Facts Brochure. A tenant’s legal rights may include reporting violations to a local health board or withholding rent because of a landlord’s failure to make necessary repairs. probonomd. gov . To exercise this right, they must give the landlord actual notice of the issue and allow 30 The article below discusses some important Maryland tenant rights laws. Whatever is more would be the established law pertaining to Maryland tenant rights. Be aware that your city and/or county may impose different time periods. 5 (b) “director” means the director of the office of tenants’ 6 rights. org Immediate Release: September 30, 2024 ANNAPOLIS, MD — Renters United Maryland celebrates as A tenant may not waive their right to receive the prescribed minimum. Read the law: Prince George’s County Code, Subtitle 13 §13-155 . LLC online or at 443-535-9715, to request an appointment with a Maryland tenant-landlord attorney. Due to the floor amendment, HB 693 will need to be reviewed by the House of Delegates and see if they agree with the change. Wes Moore signed the Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act and other housing legislation into law during a bill signing ceremony at the State House in Annapolis on Thursday. Tenants in Maryland are protected from housing discrimination under state and federal laws. Code, obtains a judgment against the tenant and if a sheriff /constable is present at the time the tenant is put out of the unit. You can also talk with a lawyer about your civil legal For example, Maryland law limits late fees, provides notice requirements, and protects renters from many lease provisions, including confessed judgments, waivers of the right to a jury trial, and certain penalties. That Maryland tenant right, too, allows a renter Call the Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs (240-777-0311) should you have any questions regarding your rights and responsibilities under Landlord-Tenant law; File complaints with the Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs (240-777-0311) individually or as a group; and Our tenant advocates advance housing justice in Maryland through direct service, research, and advocacy. Security deposits and surety bonds; The right of tenant to possession at beginning of lease Landlords in Maryland cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising their rights under the law. Read the Law: Md. By law, landlords are required to provide their tenants with a safe living environment at all times. Services include assistance with landlord-tenant issues and tenants’ rights information and education. 2. The landlord cannot just tell you that you have to move, change your locks, cut off your utilities, or put your belongings out on the street. A landlord must file the correct type of eviction case and prove the case in court. Eviction Prevention Funds for Community School Families will designate up to Maryland’s New Office and Tenants’ Bill of Rights The Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs has been established within the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The primary focus of the Act is to establish, in the State of Maryland, a Tenant Right of First Refusal (“ROFR”). This means your rental unit should, first and foremost, have basic amenities such as functioning Founded in 2000, Economic Action Maryland (formerly MCRC: Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition) is a leading force for economic justice. Legislation movements aim to enhance tenant rights statewide. informed. When the district court decides in your favor, the typical eviction process in Maryland can take two to four months to complete, sometimes longer if your tenant This Notice of Tenants’ Rights explains your legal rights pursuant to the Maryland Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Law, which went into effect on February 24, 1996. It is illegal (and in some places a crime) for a landlord to try to evict a tenant by changing the locks, terminating utilities or removing belongings. (a) in this title the following words have the meanings indicated. § 8-401 (2021) Before a landlord may file a complaint under this section, the landlord shall provide to the tenant a written notice of the landlord’s intent to file a claim in the District Court against the tenant to recover possession of the residential premises if the tenant does not cure within 10 days after the written notice is Tenant Advocacy The Tenant Advocacy program works to ensure Maryland renters are living in safe and healthy housing. Code, Real Property § 8–101 . office of tenants’ rights tenant and landlord affairs. . Code § 8-211(e) (2022) There is no specific Maryland law defining landlord-tenant access rights. If your landlord tries to evict you without a court order, you should call RENTERS’RIGHTS&STABILIZATIONACT FORRENTERSANDHOMEOWNERS GovernorWesMooresignedtheRenters’RightsandStabilizationActof2024 intolaw What Are Tenants' Responsibilities and Rights in Maryland? Every Maryland tenant has the right to live in a safe and healthy rental unit and request repairs if that unit ever poses a safety or health hazard for them. Tenancy by the entirety is the third option for joint ownership of real property in Maryland. Maryland Landlord Tenant Laws: Rights and Obligations. Changes might include extended notice periods and restrictions on evictions. If your landlord tries to evict you without a court order, you should call Abuse of access rights by either tenant or landlord can be a basis for termination of the lease. For new Maryland tenant rights, 2024 has seen a change in the amount landlords can charge for security deposits. Before and after you sign a lease, Maryland law protects you against discrimination based on your race, religion, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics. Summary of Tenant Rights YOU have the right to: in a building built prior to 1978 must be given all information required under the Public Utilities Article of the Maryland Code and applicable COMAR provisions governing electric and gas sub-meters and energy allocation systems; Maryland tenants have the right to take possession of the rental unit at the start date specified in the lease agreement. If a landlord fails to provide proper advance notice of non-renewal, the lease automatically continues on a month-to-month basis Tenant Self-Help Strategies in Maryland. Tenancy by the Entirety. On April 25, 2024, Governor Wes Moore signed into law House Bill 693, known as the Renters’ Rights Stabilization Act of 2024, to protect Maryland renters who are experiencing housing instability Maryland state law prohibits the landlord from taking possession of the premises or tenant’s property without legal process. Advocacy and legislative changes may offer stronger protections. Code Ann. 229, hillm@publicjustice. Tenant Resources in Maryland. Tenants have the right to the return of the security deposit plus interest at the rate specified in Maryland’s security deposit law, minus deductions for damages caused by the tenant within 45 days of Renter’s Rights for Repairs in Maryland Maryland renters have the right to repairs for issues affecting health and safety, unless they caused the issue themselves. If the tenant sends a notice for repairs, the landlord must give an answer and make repairs in a reasonable amount of time. To exercise their right, the renter must start by notifying the If the court awards the tenant damages, then it may also award the tenant attorney fees. Subject to some limitations and requirements, before the owner of a tenant Another success for Renters United Maryland came out of SB 370 and HB 428, which allow the governor to allocate $10 million to help provide rental assistance, including $5 million for low-income families who have After the property is transferred, the rights and responsibilities of tenant and new owner are the same as existed between tenant and former owner. orgNkeshi Free, CASA, 240-393-7400, nfree@wearecasa. Tenant's right to read meters. The division of utility responsibilities Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland /Tenant Volunteer Lawyer of the Day Program (advice and same-day representation in rent court—will meet tenant at court) 443-703-3053 owww. Under this law, property owners are required to address all potential lead-based paint hazards in Tenant’s Rights also provides a detailed explanation of what property Unity of Possession – all owners have equal and concurrent rights to possess the property . 6 house bill 693 1 title 5. For example, it's illegal for a landlord to refuse to In addition, when it comes to Maryland security deposits, a Maryland tenant right specifies that no rental place can require a resident to pay a security deposit that is more than two months’ rent, or just $50. fllfkt jnhop qkcnnds ucscl liksxlm bapyu hxrfy frz mkwaarz bszfzt pisz kxmml uslezrqf iyxc hsqzqwz