Two ways to rent in Maryland
The same free builder makes both — pick the one that fits and the agreement adapts automatically.
Standard Residential Lease Agreement
A fixed-term lease with set start and end dates (usually one year) — best for a long-term tenant.
Create a fixed-term leaseMonth-to-Month Rental Agreement
A flexible tenancy that renews each month and ends with proper written notice from either party.
Create a month-to-month agreementOverview
Renting out a home in Maryland? A residential lease agreement is the contract that protects both sides — it sets the rent, the term, the deposit, and the rules the landlord and tenant agree to, and it is your proof of what was agreed if a dispute ever comes up. Maryland residential tenancies are governed by the Real Property Article, Title 8, Subtitle 2 of the Maryland Code.
Marylandlease rules & requirements
Security deposit
For leases signed on or after October 1, 2024, Maryland caps a residential security deposit at one month's rent (Real Property 8-203). The landlord must return it, with simple interest if it was held at least six months, and a written itemized statement of any deductions, within 45 days after the tenancy ends.
Late fees
A late fee in Maryland cannot exceed 5% of the monthly rent due (Real Property 8-208). The fee must be stated in the lease, and it cannot be charged before the rent is actually late.
Landlord entry & notice
Under Maryland's statewide Tenants' Bill of Rights (effective October 1, 2025), a landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering, except in an emergency (Real Property 8-221). Entry is generally limited to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, unless the tenant agrees otherwise in writing.
Required disclosures
Maryland landlords must give the tenant a security-deposit receipt that explains key deposit rights, and a copy of the Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights as a lease addendum (for leases on or after October 1, 2024). The federal lead-based-paint disclosure applies to pre-1978 homes, and rentals built before 1978 must also be registered under Maryland's lead program.
Ending the lease
A fixed-term lease simply ends on its end date. A month-to-month tenancy generally requires at least 60 days' written notice from either party; in Baltimore City and Montgomery County the period is 30 days, so check local rules.
Does it need notarizing?
No. A Maryland residential lease doesn't need to be notarized or witnessed — it is binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign. Each party should keep a signed copy.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules under Maryland law (Real Property Article, Title 8, Subtitle 2).
How to write a Maryland lease agreement
- 1
Choose the lease type — a fixed-term lease (set start and end dates) or a month-to-month tenancy.
- 2
Add the property details and the landlord's and tenant(s)' full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Set the monthly rent, the due date, accepted payment methods, and any late fee (up to 5% of the rent).
- 4
Set the security deposit (no more than one month's rent) and when it's returned, plus any pet, parking, smoking, or utility terms.
- 5
Add the required disclosures (deposit receipt, Tenants' Bill of Rights addendum, and lead-based paint for pre-1978 homes) and any house rules.
- 6
The landlord and every tenant sign and date the lease — and each keeps a copy.
Ready to create your Maryland lease agreement?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Landlord & tenant(s) — names and addresses
- Property, lease type & term
- Rent — amount, due date & payment methods
- Security deposit, late & NSF fees
- Pets, parking, smoking & utilities
- Disclosures & signatures
Maryland lease agreement FAQ
Does a Maryland residential lease need to be notarized?
No. A residential lease in Maryland doesn't have to be notarized or witnessed. It is legally binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign it.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Maryland?
Yes. For leases signed on or after October 1, 2024, Maryland caps a residential security deposit at one month's rent (Real Property 8-203). The lease can set a lower amount.
How long does a Maryland landlord have to return the deposit?
45 days after the tenancy ends, with a written itemized statement of any deductions and any interest owed. A landlord who withholds it without a reasonable basis can owe up to three times the amount kept plus reasonable attorney's fees.
How much can a late fee be in Maryland?
No more than 5% of the monthly rent due (Real Property 8-208). The fee must be set out in the lease and cannot be charged before the rent is actually late.
How much notice ends a month-to-month lease in Maryland?
Generally at least 60 days' written notice from either party. In Baltimore City and Montgomery County the notice period is 30 days, so confirm your local rule.
Does the landlord have to give notice before entering?
Yes. Since October 1, 2025, Maryland law requires at least 24 hours' written notice before entry, except in an emergency, generally between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday (Real Property 8-221).
What must a Maryland lease disclose?
A security-deposit receipt explaining deposit rights, a copy of the Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights as a lease addendum, and the federal lead-based-paint disclosure for pre-1978 homes (which must also be registered under the state lead program).
Is this Maryland lease agreement really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.