Looking for guidance on lease agreements in Maryland? You’ve come to the right place! Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know as a landlord. From required disclosures to rent and fees, security deposits to eviction notices, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re a seasoned landlord or just starting out, understanding the legal obligations and rights associated with lease agreements is crucial. Let us equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate Maryland’s lease agreements effectively.
Required Disclosures
You must disclose certain information to your tenants as a landlord in Maryland. When drafting a Maryland lease agreement, it’s important to include the necessary disclosures to ensure compliance with state laws.
One crucial disclosure is regarding lead-based paint. Under Title X, Section 1018, landlords must provide information about any known lead-based paint hazards in the rental property.
Another disclosure required by the MD Code, Real Property § 8-210, is the identification of the landlord or agent. This includes providing the name and address of the person authorized to manage the property.
Additionally, Maryland landlords must provide a security deposit receipt as mandated by MD Code, Real Property § 8-203(c)(1), 8-203.1. This receipt should outline the amount of the security deposit, the location of the deposit, and the tenant’s rights regarding the deposit.
Finally, under the Tenant Protection Act of 2022, landlords must disclose any shared utilities and how they’ll be allocated among tenants.
It’s important to include these disclosures in your Maryland residential lease agreement to protect both you and your tenants.
Rent and Fees
When it comes to rent and fees in a lease agreement Maryland stresses that it’s important to understand the specific regulations and guidelines that landlords must follow.
In Maryland, rent is due on the date specified in the lease. Landlords can charge an application fee of $25 or less. While there’s no statewide rent control, some localities may have rent control regulations. Late fees are limited to 5% of the monthly rent or less. Maryland doesn’t have a mandatory grace period.
Security Deposits
Landlords in Maryland must adhere to specific regulations and guidelines regarding security deposits. According to Maryland law, the maximum limit for a security deposit is two months’ rent.
It’s important to note that landlords are required to pay tenants interest on their security deposits and keep them in an interest-bearing account. The interest rate should be either 1.5% per year or the amount accrued at the daily US Treasury yield curve rate for one year, whichever is greater.
When it comes to returning the security deposit, landlords have 45 days to do so. The deposit must be kept in a federally insured financial institution and kept separate from other funds.
Landlords are allowed to withhold funds from the security deposit for unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Tenant Screening and Fair Housing Protections
To ensure compliance with fair housing laws, Maryland landlords must be aware of tenant screening requirements and protections.
In Maryland, landlords are prohibited from discriminating against tenants based on protected classes such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, and source of income.
When screening tenants, landlords can request credit reports, but they must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to protect tenant credit information.
While criminal background checks are allowed during tenant screening, Montgomery County recently passed an ordinance that limits their use in rental applications.
It’s important for Maryland landlords to follow the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ensure fair treatment during the screening process.
Eviction Notices
If a tenant in Maryland fails to pay rent or violates the lease agreement, you must serve them with an eviction notice. The type of eviction notice you serve will depend on the specific circumstances.
If the tenant fails to pay rent, you must serve them with a Rent Demand Notice, which gives them 10 days to pay or quit the premises.
If the tenant violates the lease agreement in a way that isn’t related to non-payment of rent, you must serve them with a Notice for Lease Violation, which gives them 30 days to quit the premises.
However, if the tenant has committed a serious violation, such as illegal drug activity, you can serve them with an Unconditional Notice to Quit, which gives them 14 days to vacate the premises without any opportunity to cure the violation.
It’s important to follow the proper procedures and timelines when serving eviction notices to ensure compliance with Maryland law.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being a landlord in Maryland requires a thorough understanding of lease agreements and the legal obligations that come with them.
From required disclosures to tenant screening and eviction notices, it’s important to navigate these processes correctly to ensure compliance.
By familiarizing yourself with the regulations outlined in the Maryland Code, you can confidently manage your rental properties and create a smooth and compliant rental process.
