6 common questions, each with a short answer first, then the details and the official sources.
Nick Jungmarker, REALTOR® · Long & Foster · Last reviewed
Short answer
Generally no more than 1 month's rent, with a narrow 2-month exception tied to utility assistance. Overcharges can cost the landlord 3 times the excess.
Under current Maryland law, a landlord generally may not charge a security deposit of more than 1 month's rent per unit, no matter how many tenants there are. The only exception allows up to 2 months' rent when the tenant qualifies for utility assistance through the Department of Human Services, pays utilities directly to the landlord under the lease, and both agree in writing. A tenant charged too much can recover up to three times the extra amount plus attorney's fees. The landlord must give a written receipt, which is usually in the lease. General information, not legal advice; confirm with a Maryland attorney.
Related: Real Estate Investing in Maryland & DC · Renting in Maryland and DC (2026): Security Deposits, Rent Limits, Licenses, Lease Red Flags and a Plan to Buy
Short answer
Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, with interest and an itemized list of any deductions. Unreasonable withholding can cost up to 3 times the amount.
45 days after the tenancy ends. The landlord must return the deposit plus simple interest (the greater of 1.5% a year or the 1-year Treasury rate set each January) when it was held at least 6 months and is $50 or more, minus damages rightfully withheld, such as unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear. Deductions must be itemized in writing within that time, or the landlord may lose the right to keep any of it. If a landlord withholds without a reasonable basis, the tenant can sue for up to three times the amount withheld plus attorney's fees. General information, not legal advice; confirm with a Maryland attorney.
Related: Real Estate Investing in Maryland & DC · Renting in Maryland and DC (2026): Security Deposits, Rent Limits, Licenses, Lease Red Flags and a Plan to Buy
Short answer
No statewide cap. Montgomery County caps most older units at 5.2% for July 2026 to June 2027; Prince George's and Takoma Park have their own limits.
There is no statewide rent cap in Maryland, but some local governments have one. In Montgomery County, most rental units more than 23 years old are capped at CPI plus 3% or 6%, whichever is lower, which is 5.2% from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, and landlords must give 90 days' written notice of any increase. Prince George's County's permanent rent stabilization law uses a similar formula (6% or CPI plus 3%, lower for senior housing) for most units built before 2000, and Takoma Park has its own program. Exemptions apply, so check the county rules for the specific unit. General information, not legal advice; confirm with a Maryland attorney.
Related: Real Estate Investing in Maryland & DC · Montgomery County Neighborhoods and Homes · Prince George's County Neighborhoods and Homes · Renting in Maryland and DC (2026): Security Deposits, Rent Limits, Licenses, Lease Red Flags and a Plan to Buy
Short answer
Maryland caps residential late fees at 5% of the rent due for that period ($3 a week, $12 a month max for weekly rentals).
A Maryland residential lease may not charge a late fee of more than 5% of the rent due for that period. For weekly rentals, the limit is $3 per week, and no more than $12 per month. A lease provision that charges more is not allowed. Check your lease for the grace period and fee, and compare it to the limit. General information, not legal advice; confirm with a Maryland attorney.
Related: Real Estate Investing in Maryland & DC · Renting in Maryland and DC (2026): Security Deposits, Rent Limits, Licenses, Lease Red Flags and a Plan to Buy
Short answer
A landlord must give a 10-day notice on the court's form before filing, and only a court-ordered eviction can remove a tenant.
For unpaid rent, a Maryland landlord must first give the tenant a written notice of intent to file, on the Maryland Judiciary's form, and wait 10 days for the tenant to pay before filing in District Court. If the court rules for the landlord, the tenant can usually still stop the eviction by paying the amount the court found due plus costs, unless the court has ended that right after repeated judgments. Only a court-ordered eviction carried out by the sheriff or constable can remove a tenant. Eligible tenants may get free legal help through Maryland's Access to Counsel in Evictions program. General information, not legal advice; confirm with a Maryland attorney.
Short answer
Generally no. Maryland's HOME Act protects source of income, including Housing Choice Vouchers, under state fair housing law.
Generally no. Since 2020, Maryland's HOME Act makes source of income a protected class under state fair housing law, which covers tenants who pay with Housing Choice Vouchers and other lawful income, with limited exemptions. Landlords should apply the same screening criteria to every applicant and avoid policies that screen out voucher holders. Complaints go to the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and generally must be filed within one year. General information, not legal advice; confirm with a Maryland attorney.
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General information, not legal, tax, or lending advice. Laws, rates, and program rules change; confirm with the official source or a Maryland professional. Facts checked October 27, 2026.