Maryland Residential Lease Agreement | PDF
A Maryland residential lease agreement lets a landlord and tenant enter into a binding rental arrangement for the use of a livable property. The tenant is recommended to be screened by the landlord by completing the rental application and after a careful analysis will the negotiations for the lease begin.
Depending on the tenant’s credit, he or she will have to put up a Security Deposit that is most commonly one (1) month’s rent (maximum in the State is two (2) months’ for a landlord to request) and the first (1st) month of rent. The Security Deposit will be given back at the end of the contract (must be within forty-five (45) days) as long as there is no damage left by the tenant on the property.
Table of Contents
Forms (2)
Download: Adobe PDF
Assoc. of Realtors Lease Agreement
Download: Adobe PDF
Security Deposit Laws
Maximum Amount ($) – A security deposit cannot exceed an amount equal to two (2) months’ rent (§ 8–203(b)(1)).
Returning – The landlord has forty-five (45) days from the rental agreement’s termination date to return the security deposit plus at least 1.5% interest per year (§ 8–203(e)(1)).
Required Disclosures
Agent/Landlord Identification – In the lease or on the property, the landlord must identify themselves and anyone who is authorized to act on their behalf (§ 8-210(a)(1)).
Move-in/Move-out Checklist – The security deposit receipt must inform the tenant that the landlord has the right to have the property inspected for damages fifteen (15) days after the occupancy date (§ 8-203.1(a)(1)).
Habitation – The rental agreement must include a statement declaring that the property is in a condition that permits habitation and reasonable safety, as well as listing the tenant’s responsibilities regarding heat, electricity, gas, water, and repairs (§ 8–208(c)).
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – If the rental property was built before 1978, federal law requires that the tenant signs a notice acknowledging the known or possible presence of lead-based paint on the property.
Security Deposit Receipt – The tenant must be given a security deposit receipt that informs the tenant of their rights regarding inspections and the security deposit’s return (§ 8–203(c) and § 8–203.1).
Rent Grace Period
There is no grace period for tenants to pay rent. If rent is late, the landlord may charge interest in an amount of up to 5% of rent due (§ 8-208(d)(3)).