St. Mary’s County Eviction Process

If you're a landlord facing rental issues, understanding how to evict a tenant in St. Mary's County, Maryland can help you regain control of your property quickly. Whether the tenant is not paying rent, has violated the lease, or refuses to leave, you must follow Maryland’s legal eviction process step by step. Fortunately, with the right help, you can complete the St. Mary’s eviction process efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.

Eviction Help in St. Mary’s County

At Maryland Evictions Online, we help landlords in St. Mary’s County manage evictions from start to finish. We eliminate the stress by handling all legal paperwork, filing with the court, and coordinating directly with the Sheriff’s Office.

Within Our Coverage Area to process evictions: Yes
Zone: 3
Rental License Required: No
Court Filing Fee for Failure to Pay Rent: $405

Here’s what we do for you:

• We prepare and file your Failure to Pay Rent complaint.
• We send a formal collections letter to your tenant.
• We represent you in court.
• We coordinate with the Sheriff for the eviction.
• We ensure legal compliance at every step of the St. Mary’s eviction process.

Click here to GET STARTED

How to Evict a Tenant in St. Mary’s County 

Understanding how to evict a tenant in St. Mary’s County starts with following the proper state and county eviction procedures. Below is a clear breakdown of each stage:

1. Identify the Legal Grounds for Eviction

To begin, determine the valid reason for eviction. In St. Mary’s County, you can file for eviction if the tenant:

• Fails to pay rent.
• Violates the lease agreement.
• Refuses to leave after the lease ends.
• Engages in illegal or dangerous behavior.

If your tenant is not paying rent, the process may move forward quickly under Maryland landlord-tenant law.

2. Serve the Required Notice of Eviction

Next, you must deliver the appropriate written Notice of Eviction based on the situation:

• For Failure to Pay Rent, you can file the case immediately—no notice required.
• For Lease Violations, serve a 30-day notice to fix the issue or move out.
• For Dangerous or Criminal Activity, provide a 14-day notice to vacate.
• For Month-to-Month or Expired Leases, issue a 60–90 day notice to terminate.

Always keep copies of your notices for court documentation.

3. File Your Complaint in Court

After serving the notice (if required), file your case at the St. Mary’s County District Court.
You’ll need to pay the $405 filing fee for Failure to Pay Rent cases.

Once filed, the court typically schedules your hearing within 7 to 15 days, depending on availability.

4. Attend the Court Hearing

Our team represents you in court, ensuring every step follows the St. Mary’s eviction process.
If the judge rules in your favor, you’ll receive a Judgment for Possession. The tenant then has four days to pay or vacate the property.

5. Request the Warrant of Restitution

If the tenant still refuses to leave, the next legal step is to request a Warrant of Restitution.
This crucial document authorizes the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office to carry out the physical eviction.

You must file for the Warrant of Restitution within 60 days of the court judgment. Once approved, our team coordinates directly with the Sheriff to schedule the eviction.

6. Proceed with the Sheriff-Led Eviction

When the Warrant of Restitution is issued, the Sheriff will oversee the final Notice of Eviction and removal process.

On the scheduled date:

• The Sheriff arrives with a locksmith and moving crew.
• The crew removes the tenant’s belongings and places them on the curb.
• You must leave the items for 24 hours before disposing of them.

Until the moment the Sheriff arrives, tenants may still redeem the property by paying the full amount owed. However, if the court has issued four eviction judgments against the same tenant in 12 months, they lose that right.

How to Evict Someone from Your House in St. Mary’s County

If you’re dealing with someone who doesn’t have a lease—such as a guest, roommate, or family member—you still must follow legal eviction procedures under the St. Mary’s eviction process.

You should:

• File a Wrongful Detainer or Tenant Holding Over complaint (depending on the situation).
• Serve a proper Notice of Eviction.
• Allow the case to go to court.
• Let the Sheriff enforce the Warrant of Restitution once judgment is issued.

Our team makes it simple by walking you through how to evict a tenant in St. Mary’s County, even when no written lease exists.

Start the St. Mary’s Eviction Process Today

Don’t let a tenant not paying rent or violating their lease delay your rental income. With over 20 years of experience, Maryland Evictions Online helps landlords handle every step of the St. Mary’s eviction process—from notice to Warrant of Restitution—quickly and legally.

Click here to GET STARTED

County Information

• County Website: https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/
• County Hotline: (301) 475-4200

District Court:

• 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, P.O. Box 1509
  Leonardtown, MD 20650-5831.

Agency which handles Rental Licenses:

• County Hotline 301-472-420
• Department of Inspections – (410) 313-1830
• 3430 Courthouse Drive
  Ellicott City, MD 21043