We Process Evictions for Anne Arundel County

Anne Arundel County Eviction Process

If you’re a landlord in Maryland planning to start a tenant eviction, understanding the Anne Arundel County Eviction Process is essential. From filing a court complaint to coordinating with the Sheriff’s Office, every step must follow state and county guidelines.

This guide walks you through how to evict a tenant in Anne Arundel County, explains rental licensing requirements, and highlights the rental rules in Annapolis so you can protect your property and remain compliant with Maryland law.

Eviction Help for Landlords in Anne Arundel County

Need eviction help in Anne Arundel County? Whether you’re dealing with a tenant not paying rent, lease violations, or occupants refusing to leave after the lease expires, the Anne Arundel County Eviction Process outlines how landlords can legally regain possession of their property.

At Maryland Evictions Online, we handle the entire tenant eviction in Anne Arundel County for you — including preparing court documents, filing the case, and coordinating with the Sheriff’s Office. Our experienced team ensures the process is completed accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with Maryland landlord-tenant laws.

If you’re unsure how to evict a tenant in Anne Arundel County, we’ll assist with:

• Drafting and serving the appropriate Notice of Eviction.
• Filing Failure to Pay Rent or Tenant Holding Over complaints.
• Attending court hearings on your behalf.
• Requesting the Warrant of Restitution.
• Coordinating directly with the Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Office.

How to Evict a Tenant in Anne Arundel County, Maryland

The Anne Arundel County Eviction Process involves several stages that must be completed in the correct order. Here’s how it works:

1. Determine Legal Grounds for Eviction

Landlords may file for eviction in Anne Arundel County if the tenant:

• Fails to pay rent
• Violates the lease agreement
• Holds over after the lease expires
• Engages in illegal or dangerous conduct

Each reason requires specific legal notices under Maryland law.

2. Serve the Required Notice

Serving a Notice of Eviction is the next step in the tenant eviction Anne Arundel County process. The type of notice depends on the violation:

• Failure to Pay Rent: No prior notice required — you may file immediately.
• Lease Violation: Serve a 30-day notice to correct or vacate.
• Criminal or Dangerous Activity: Serve a 14-day notice.
• Month-to-Month or Expired Leases: Provide a 60–90 day termination notice.

Always retain a copy of the notice and proof of service for your records.

3. File for Eviction in District Court

After serving notice (if applicable), landlords can file their Failure to Pay Rent or Tenant Holding Over complaint with the District Court of Maryland  Annapolis.

Filing Fee: $205 per case
Hearing: Typically scheduled within 7–15 days

If the court rules in your favor, you’ll receive a Judgment for Possession.

4. Request a Warrant of Restitution

If the tenant does not vacate after the judgment, landlords must request a Warrant of Restitution.
This legal document authorizes the Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Office to perform the physical eviction.

5. Coordinate with the Sheriff

Once the warrant is approved:

• The Sheriff will contact you to schedule the eviction date.
• You must provide a locksmith and movers.
• The tenant’s belongings are placed at the curb for at least 48 hours before removal.

Following this legal process ensures compliance and prevents claims of unlawful eviction.

How to Evict Someone in Anne Arundel County

If you need to remove someone without a lease — such as a family member, guest, or roommate — you must still follow Maryland’s legal procedures. Here’s how to evict someone in Anne Arundel County who doesn’t have a written rental agreement:

Determine the Type of Case:

• • File a Wrongful Detainer complaint if the person never had permission to stay.
  • File a Tenant Holding Over complaint if the person overstayed their welcome.

Provide Proper Notice:

• • Deliver written notice to vacate and keep documentation of service.

File in District Court:

• • Submit the complaint to the Anne Arundel County District Court.
  • Attend the hearing to present your case.

Obtain Judgment for Possession:

• • If the court rules in your favor, the occupant has a few days to move out.

Request a Warrant of Restitution:

• • If they refuse to leave, request the Warrant of Restitution.
  • The Sheriff will oversee the physical removal from the property.

Even if the occupant is not a tenant, you must not perform a self-help eviction (such as changing locks or removing belongings). Only a Sheriff enforced eviction is legal in Maryland.

Do I Need a Rental License in Anne Arundel County?

For landlords in unincorporated areas of Anne Arundel County, a tenant license is generally not required to proceed with eviction.
However, if your property is located within Annapolis city limits, you must comply with specific rental rules in Annapolis, which include obtaining an Anne Arundel Tenant License (commonly known as a rental license).

In Annapolis, every non-owner-occupied property — including single-family homes, apartments, and short-term rentals is classified as a rental unit and must be licensed.

Rental Rules in Annapolis

Understanding the rental rules in Annapolis is critical before filing an eviction or leasing your property.

Key Requirements:

• $100 annual license fee per rental unit
• The license is non-transferable
• Mandatory inspections prior to approval
• Annual renewal required

Contact Information:
Annapolis Neighbourhood & Environmental Programs
160 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD
DNEP@annapolis.gov
www.annapolis.gov

What is Considered a Rental Unit in the City of Annapolis?

In general, the City of Annapolis classifies any dwelling not occupied by the owner or their immediate family as a rental unit, regardless of the length of stay or rental fee. This includes single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums.

Is a License Needed to Operate a Rental Unit in the City of Annapolis?

Yes. Every landlord must obtain a current operating license before renting out any dwelling or unit.
Refer to City of Annapolis Code Section 17.44.010 for complete legal language.

Is There a Fee for This Rental License, and Are Licenses Transferable?

The current rental license fee is $100.00 per unit per year, and licenses are not transferable.

Are Licensed Rental Units Inspected?

Yes. City inspectors conduct annual inspections and respond to complaints to ensure rental housing standards are met.

What Do Inspectors Look For During an Inspection?

Inspectors examine the interior and exterior of each property to verify compliance with residential housing standards as stated in Chapter 17.40 of the Annapolis City Code.

You can review these standards online at the Department of Neighborhood & Environmental Programs (DNEP), or access them through local government offices or libraries.

Anne Arundel – Landlord-Tenant Matters page

District Court Location

District Court of Maryland – Annapolis
251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401

Enforcing the Eviction with the Sheriff

After obtaining a court judgment, landlords must file for a Warrant of Restitution to authorize the Sheriff’s Office to complete the tenant eviction Anne Arundel County process.

Important Details:

• Sheriff Fee: $40
• Warrant Validity: 60 days
• Tenant Belongings: Must be handled by landlord-hired movers
• Items left in the public right-of-way will be removed after 48 hours

Tenants may remain in the property during the process unless they interfere with the eviction.

Key Contacts for Tenant Eviction in Anne Arundel County

Final Steps for Landlords

To successfully complete the Anne Arundel County Eviction Process, follow these steps:

1. Confirm your property’s jurisdiction (county or city).
2. Determine if a rental license or Anne Arundel tenant license is required.
3. File your Failure to Pay Rent or Tenant Holding Over case.
4. Request the Warrant of Restitution if the tenant doesn’t vacate.
5. Work directly with the Sheriff’s Office to carry out the eviction.
6. By following this detailed guide to the Anne Arundel County Eviction Process, landlords can legally regain possession of their property while complying with all rental rules in Annapolis and Maryland state law.

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