Maryland Standard Residential Lease Agreement

A Maryland standard residential lease agreement is a formal contract that must be signed by both tenant and landlord to become legally binding. The document provides all of the vital information for the one-year use of the space, including the start day, rent due dates, security deposit amount, and more. The landlord may also conduct a credit check on the tenant to verify their income.

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Last updated May 10th, 2024

A Maryland standard residential lease agreement is a formal contract that must be signed by both tenant and landlord to become legally binding. The document provides all of the vital information for the one-year use of the space, including the start day, rent due dates, security deposit amount, and more. The landlord may also conduct a credit check on the tenant to verify their income.

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Disclosures

Habitability – The landlord must provide a statement that clearly states that the rental unit is habitable and safe and also lists the tenant’s responsibilities. (§ 8–208(c))

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – Federal law requires all landlords to give their tenants a lead paint disclosure for buildings constructed before 1978, which discusses the possibility of harmful lead paint being present. (EPA/HUD Fact Sheet)

Landlord Identification – The names, phone numbers, and addresses of the landlord or anyone acting as such must be provided to the renter. (§ 8–210(a)(1))

Move-in/Move-out Checklist – The tenant has the right to be present in the rental unit with the landlord when the move-in and move-out checklists are created. (§ 8–203.1(a))

Security Deposit Rights – The written rights of the tenant and the landlord under the Maryland Statute must accompany the security deposit receipt. (§8–203(f)1(vi))

Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS) Disclosure (conditional) – If a landlord uses a (RUBS) to bill their tenant for utilities, then they must give a written statement of the relevant utilities as well as provide an average utility bill of the other occupants in the building. (§ 8–212.4(c)(1))

Rent Grace Period

In Maryland, there is no rent grace period. The rent is due on the agreed-upon day in the original lease agreement.

Security Deposit

Maximum Amount – Two months’ rent is the maximum amount a landlord may charge for a security deposit. (§ 8–203(b)(1))

Returning – The landlord must return the security deposit back to the renter within 45 days of the lease end date. (§ 8–203(e)(1))

  • Deductions – If the landlord does not refund the entire security deposit, they have 45 days to first-class mail an itemized list of damages to the tenant. (§ 8–203(g)(1))