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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

Tenants’ Bill of Rights

Mandatory lease requirement

  • Under state law, landlords must attach a copy of the current Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights to every lease.

  • A landlord may not edit or modify the Tenants’ Bill of Rights from the Maryland DHCD-published version in any way.

  • An updated version incorporating new laws is published annually by October 1st. 

  • A landlord must use the most recently published version.

Overview

The Tenants’ Bill of Rights summarizes key renter rights and protections established by federal and state laws. The Tenants’ Bill of Rights is not a complete list of every tenant right. It does not cover every detail, exception, or difference that may apply on a case-by-case basis.

  • Annual updates: 
    Annually, DHCD will update and release a new Tenants’ Bill of Rights by October 1. This annual release will include major changes to federal or state renter laws in addition to updates based on feedback from tenants and housing partners.
  • Local Rental Laws and Ordinances:
    Some county, city, or township governments have established rental unit licensing requirements or additional renter protections at the local level. Additional information about these local laws and ordinances, as well as a list of local offices of tenant rights, will be posted in the near future to this webpage.
  • Accessibility:
    The Tenants’ Bill of Rights has been optimized for use of plain language and is accessible for individuals using screen readers or other assistive devices. It has also been translated into 18 languages, which are linked below. If you need another language translation or would like to request additional accessibility features, please contact [email protected].

Printable versions in multiple languages

Renter resources

At risk of eviction?

If you are a tenant and have received notice from your landlord or the court that you are at risk of being evicted, it is important to take action right away and contact a lawyer. You have a right to defend your case in court and bring legal representation.​

Households with income below 50% of the state’s median income may be eligible for free legal services to prevent an eviction from Maryland’s Access to Counsel in Evictions Program. To find out if you are eligible and request help, 

Additional tenant support

For a directory of Maryland rental support, visit our Renters Resources. This includes: 

  • Rental assistance programs 
  • Statewide legal service providers
  • Affordable housing locators

Contact information

  • Tenants: If you need to report a violation or need help navigating a landlord-tenant issue, contact [email protected].
  • Housing industry professional: If you needs technical assistance or have questions regarding the Tenant Bill of Rights requirements, contact [email protected].