Eviction Law in Maryland
Maryland’s eviction process is tightly regulated and varies depending on the county and the type of lease involved. Whether you’re dealing with unpaid rent, lease violations, or an expired lease term, the law requires strict compliance at every step.
Landlords in Maryland must also be aware of tenant protections, including grace periods, court-mandated notices, and local regulations that can override state law. If you’re unsure whether your reason for eviction qualifies—or how to serve notice legally—it’s best to get legal guidance before proceeding.
We can connect you with a Maryland attorney who understands the eviction process inside and out. One consultation could save you weeks of stress and help you get back to managing your rental.
What Is an Eviction?
An eviction begins when a landlord issues formal notice requiring a tenant to leave the property—usually because of unpaid rent or a lease violation. But even when the situation seems straightforward, the eviction process can be time-consuming and expensive.
In Maryland, landlord-tenant laws provide strong protections for renters. It’s also worth noting that not every eviction notice results in a tenant being forced out. In many cases, the notice serves as a final warning. If the tenant pays what they owe or corrects the lease violation within the allowed timeframe, the eviction process may come to a halt.
When Can Landlords Send a Termination Notice?
The Tenant Doesn’t Pay Rent
If a tenant in Maryland consistently fails to pay rent on time—or stops paying altogether—you may have solid grounds to begin the eviction process. Occasional late payments might slide in other states, but Maryland law doesn’t offer extra protection for tenants who make a habit of it.
Maryland’s laws are notably strict when it comes to rent payments. In fact, if a tenant doesn’t pay what they owe, you’re allowed to file for eviction without giving advance notice. That said, you’ll still need to file a formal complaint with the district court and follow the legal process from there.
Even though Maryland doesn’t require a written notice before filing, it’s still smart practice to document every late payment. Sending written reminders or “late rent” notices—and keeping copies for your records—can strengthen your case in court.
The Tenant Violates the Terms or Conditions of the Lease Agreement
A lease is a legally binding contract, and when a tenant breaks the terms, you may have the right to move forward with eviction. Whether it’s bringing in unauthorized occupants, violating pet restrictions, or misusing the property, these actions can justify issuing a formal notice.
That same lease also applies to you as the landlord. If you’ve agreed to perform certain repairs or provide specific services, you’re legally obligated to follow through. Courts expect landlords to hold up their end of the agreement before taking action against a tenant.
The Tenant Damages the Property
Every rental will show signs of daily life—small scuffs, worn carpet, maybe a cracked blind or two. That’s expected. But when the damage becomes intentional or excessive—like punched-in walls, broken windows, or destroyed fixtures—you may have legal grounds to evict.
Maryland landlords should always assess both the extent and the context of the damage. If a tenant takes responsibility, makes repairs, and doesn’t alter the property inappropriately, eviction might not be necessary. But if the destruction continues or goes unaddressed, it’s time to start documenting and consider legal action.
The Tenant Uses the Property for Illegal Purposes
If a tenant is using your Maryland rental for illegal purposes—such as drug sales, weapons storage, or other criminal activity—you may have immediate grounds for eviction. These situations not only violate the lease but can also expose you to legal and financial risk.
That said, you’ll need to present solid evidence to support your case. Police reports, citations, or documented complaints can help you establish a pattern of illegal use. Without proof, it can be difficult to move forward in court, so always take steps to gather and preserve any relevant records.
How to Evict a Tenant in Maryland
Step 1. Check Your Local Laws
Eviction laws in Maryland are not only specific to the state—they can also vary by county or city. That’s why landlords should never assume a one-size-fits-all approach. Before serving a notice, it’s critical to confirm that you have a legally valid reason and that you’re following the correct procedures based on where your rental property is located.
The Maryland Attorney General outlines several legally recognized reasons for eviction. These include situations where the tenant has:
- Failed to pay rent
- Violated the terms of the lease agreement
- Stayed on the property after the lease has ended
- Stopped paying rent in an attempt to pressure the landlord into making repairs
Step 2. Give a Formal Notice of Eviction
If your tenant continues to violate the lease despite your efforts to resolve the issue, it may be time to move forward with a formal eviction notice. This notice should clearly explain what rule or term the tenant has broken and outline what steps, if any, they can take to avoid being removed from the property.
Every eviction notice should include specific, required details—such as the total amount owed (if rent is the issue), the deadline to comply or vacate, and a clear explanation of the violation.
If you’re not familiar with how to draft this type of notice, you can use a trusted template or consult a Maryland attorney to ensure you’re following state law. A poorly written notice can slow down the process or hurt your case in court.
The time you’re required to give a tenant depends on the severity of the issue. For serious problems—such as threats to property or safety—the Maryland Code allows landlords to issue a 14-day notice to vacate. In less urgent cases, such as general lease violations, you may issue a 30-day notice.
Step 3. File the Eviction with the Court
Once the notice period has passed and the tenant has not resolved the issue, the next step is filing your case with the court. This should be done promptly to avoid delays. In Maryland, most eviction cases are handled by the District Court, which will assign a hearing date and notify the tenant through a formal summons.
Filing in the proper jurisdiction is critical—mistakes in paperwork or timing can cause the case to be delayed or dismissed. Make sure your documents are complete and that you’ve followed the correct procedure from the moment notice was given.
Step 4. Contact an Experienced Maryland Eviction Attorney and Prepare for the Hearing
Before the hearing, it’s a good idea to consult with a Maryland eviction attorney. They can help make sure your case is airtight and that you’ve properly documented every step of the process. While it’s not always required to have a lawyer, it can be a major advantage—especially if the tenant disputes your claims.
Bring the following to your court hearing:
- A signed copy of the lease agreement
- A record of all rent payments and outstanding balances
- Copies of any bounced or returned checks
- Written communication between you and the tenant (emails, letters, texts)
- A copy of the eviction notice you served
- Proof the tenant received the notice (e.g., certified mail receipt or witness verification)
Step 5. Evict the Tenant
If the court rules in your favor, the tenant will be given a short window to vacate—typically between 48 hours and seven days. The exact timeframe depends on the court’s ruling and the specific facts of your case. If the tenant still refuses to leave after that period, you can request that local law enforcement, usually the sheriff’s office, carry out the eviction.
Maryland law does not allow landlords to remove tenants on their own. That means no changing the locks, shutting off utilities, or moving the tenant’s belongings. Once you have a judgment and writ of restitution, the sheriff will handle the physical removal of the tenant from the property.
Step 6. Collect Past-Due Rent Payments
Winning your eviction case doesn’t always mean the tenant will pay what they owe. If you’re still dealing with past-due rent, you may need to take further steps to collect the balance. Maryland law gives landlords several legal tools to recover those funds, but the process can take time—especially if the tenant has limited assets.
Ways to pursue unpaid rent include:
- Hiring a licensed debt collection agency
- Requesting wage garnishment through the court
- Filing to intercept state or federal tax refunds
- Taking the tenant to small claims court for a judgment
Work with an Experienced Eviction Attorney in Maryland
In Maryland, tenants may try to challenge an eviction by claiming the process wasn’t handled properly—especially when it comes to notice requirements or court filings. That’s why it’s smart to have a local attorney who knows how Maryland’s eviction laws work and can help you avoid costly mistakes.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we can help you connect with an experienced Maryland eviction attorney. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Maryland state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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