Security Maryland Law Changes – Effective July & Oct 2025
| Category (Team) | New Law (Effective 2025) |
|---|---|
| Security Deposits | Md. Code, Real Property § 8–203(b)(2) (Oct 1, 2024 amendment) “A landlord may not impose a security deposit in excess of the equivalent of one month’s rent per dwelling unit… unless the tenant is receiving certain utility assistance and agrees in writing.” § 8–203 – mgaleg.maryland.gov |
| Rental Application Fees | Md. Code, Real Property § 8–203(b)(2) (Oct 1, 2024 amendment) Prohibits landlords who manage five or more rental units from charging more than $25 in application fees, not including the security deposit. § 8–203 – mgaleg.maryland.gov |
| Entering the Leased Premises | Md. Code, Real Property § 8–208(d)(3) (Oct 1, 2025) “A landlord may not enter a residential rental unit without providing at least 24 hours’ written notice… and only between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except in the case of an emergency.” § 8–208 – mgaleg.maryland.gov |
| Late Fees | Md. Code, Real Property § 8–208(d)(3)(ii) (2025 re-codified) “A penalty for the late payment of rent may not exceed 5% of the unpaid rent for the rental period.” § 8–208 – mgaleg.maryland.gov |
| Tenants’ Bill of Rights | HB 693 (2024), codified in Real Property § 8–208 “The Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights shall be attached to every new lease and renewal lease for residential rental property.” DHCD – Tenants’ Bill of Rights |
| Lease Restrictions | Md. Code, Real Property § 8–208(d)(4–5) (Oct 1, 2025) New bans: (1) >1 month rent upfront; (2) Waiver of ROFR; (3) Mandatory electronic notice only; (4) Illegal surcharges. § 8–208 – mgaleg.maryland.gov |
| Court Filing Fees | Md. Code, Courts § 7-301 (Oct 1, 2025) Increases surcharges: District $43, Civil $28, Circuit $85. May only be charged to the tenant if: (1) lease allows, and (2) judgment for possession granted. District Court MD Fee Schedule 10/2025 |
| Mailing and Posting Eviction Notices (Non-Baltimore City) | Md. Code, Real Property § 8-401(c)(5) (Oct 1, 2025) “The landlord shall provide to the tenant a written notice of the scheduled eviction date at least 6 days before the eviction, by first-class mail (certificate), posting (with photo), and electronic delivery if available.” § 8–401 – mgaleg.maryland.gov |
| Mailing and Posting – Baltimore City | Requires a 14-day eviction notice for actions like Failure to Pay Rent, Tenant Holding Over, or Breach of Lease – longer than the 6-day state requirement. |
| Warrant Expiration | Md. Code, Real Property § 8-401(c)(6)(ii) (Oct 1, 2025) “A warrant of restitution expires 60 days after issuance if not executed.” § 8–401 – mgaleg.maryland.gov |
| Tenant Belongings | Md. Code, Real Property § 8-401(m)(2) (Oct 1, 2025) “The landlord shall hold tenant’s personal property for 10 days after repossession before disposal.” § 8–401 – mgaleg.maryland.gov |
| Extreme Weather | Md. Code, Real Property § 8-401(f)(2) (Oct 1, 2025) “If the administrative judge determines weather conditions make eviction unsafe, the court shall stay execution of the warrant.” § 8–401 – mgaleg.maryland.gov |
| Right to Redeem | Md. Code, Real Property § 8-401(e)(2–3) (Oct 1, 2025 updates) Redemption still allowed but limited if 3+ judgments in 12 months. § 8–401 – mgaleg.maryland.gov |
| Record Shielding | Md. Code, Real Property § 8-401(n) (Oct 1, 2025) Requires automatic shielding of eviction records dismissed or without judgment within 60 days. § 8–401 – mgaleg.maryland.gov |
| Eviction Buffer | Md. Code, Real Property § 8-401(c)(3) (Oct 1, 2025) “Execution of a warrant of restitution may not occur until 7 days after judgment.” § 8–401 – mgaleg.maryland.gov |
| Military Holdover Cases | Md. Code, Real Property § 8-402(b)(3) (Oct 1, 2025) “If the landlord or landlord’s spouse is on active duty in the military, the court shall set a hearing within 45 days.” § 8–402 – mgaleg.maryland.gov |
| Right of First Refusal (ROFR) | Md. Code, Real Property § 8-1201–1209 (Oct 1, 2025) Extends ROFR to sales of 1–3 unit rentals statewide; tenants have 30 days to negotiate, 5 days to counter; exemptions for family transfers, trusts, and foreclosures. § 8–1201 – mgaleg.maryland.gov |
| Penalties for Violations | Md. Code, Real Property § 8-1210 (Oct 1, 2025) “A landlord who fails to comply with ROFR is subject to a civil penalty of $1,000 per violation.” § 8–1210 – mgaleg.maryland.gov |
| Foreclosure & Land Records | Md. Code, Courts § 7-301(a)(2)(i) (Oct 1, 2025) Raises foreclosure filing fee to $450. § 7–301 – mgaleg.maryland.gov |
| Office of Tenant & Landlord Affairs (OTLA) | HB 693, Subtitle 12 (Oct 1, 2025) Creates the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs within DHCD to oversee tenant protections, education, and eviction data. OTLA will release annual Tenant Bill of Rights updates. DHCD – OTLA |
| Eviction Data Collection | HB 693 §5 (Oct 1, 2025) “The Judiciary shall provide eviction case data to DHCD; DHCD shall publish an annual eviction report.” DHCD – OTLA |