Users' questions

What are my rights as a renter in Maryland?

What are my rights as a renter in Maryland?

Under Maryland law, tenants have a right to freedom from housing discrimination, a right to certain security deposit protections, the right to freedom from landlord retaliation, and the right to be protected after domestic violence.

Does a lease need to be notarized in Maryland?

No, lease agreements do not need to be notarized in Maryland. As long as they are agreed upon, or written leases are signed by both parties, a lease is a valid contract. The landlord and tenant can request to have the lease notarized if they wish, but it is not required in order for the lease to be binding in Maryland.

How do you add to a lease?

Add a Tenant to Your Lease in 5 Steps

  1. Step 1: Obtain a Written Request. Invite the tenant to submit in writing the request to add another person to the lease.
  2. Step 2: Check the Property’s Occupancy Limit.
  3. Step 3: Acquire a Completed Rental Application.
  4. Step 4: Make a Decision.
  5. Step 5: Review the Details With the Tenants.

What’s the law on breaking a lease in Maryland?

Breaking a Lease. Maryland law also allows an early end to a tenancy under certain medical circumstances, with a doctor’s certification. Read the law: Md. Code, Real Property § 8-212.2 If you do not meet any of these conditions, you may try to negotiate an early termination agreement with your landlord.

When does a lease need to be signed in Maryland?

Read the Law: Md. Code, Real Property § 1-101 (h) A lease for a term of 1 year or less is valid whether it is written or oral, but any lease for more than 1 year must be in writing and signed by the person creating it if it is to be enforceable. Read the Law: Md. Code, Real Property §§ 5-101 and 5-102

Can a landlord waive a breach of lease in Maryland?

Read the Law: Md. Code, Real Property § 8-402.1 (b) (1) If a landlord accepts a payment from a tenant after giving the tenant notice of the breach of lease but before evicting him, it is not considered a waiver of the breach of lease notice or any judgment for possession unless the parties specifically agree in writing.

What’s the maximum late fee on a lease in Maryland?

Maryland law requires that a lease limit late fees to 5% of a monthly rental payment, but in areas where the law does not impose limits, the landlord and tenant are free to negotiate their own agreement.

What do you need to know about Maryland lease agreement?

It is a federal law in the United States that any home built prior to 1978 must disclose the risks posed by lead-based paints. This law requires landlords in Maryland to: Fill out and attach this lead based paint disclosure form to the lease agreement. Provide the tenant with an EPA-approved pamphlet about the dangers of lead-based paint.

Breaking a Lease. Maryland law also allows an early end to a tenancy under certain medical circumstances, with a doctor’s certification. Read the law: Md. Code, Real Property § 8-212.2 If you do not meet any of these conditions, you may try to negotiate an early termination agreement with your landlord.

Maryland law requires that a lease limit late fees to 5% of a monthly rental payment, but in areas where the law does not impose limits, the landlord and tenant are free to negotiate their own agreement.

Do you have to disclose lead based paint in Maryland lease agreement?

Applicable to any rental units built prior to 1978. It is a federal law in the United States that any home built prior to 1978 must disclose the risks posed by lead-based paints. This law requires landlords in Maryland to: Fill out and attach this lead based paint disclosure form to the lease agreement.