Maryland Eviction Notice Requirements

Maryland requires written notice before most evictions. For unpaid rent, Real Property § 8-401 requires a written notice of intent to file on a form created by the Maryland Judiciary, giving the tenant 10 days to pay. For a breach of a lease that allows early repossession, § 8-402.1 requires 30 days' written notice, or 14 days when the breach involves a clear and imminent danger of serious harm. Ending a month-to-month tenancy takes 60 days' written notice under § 8-402.

The nonpayment notice may be sent by first-class mail with a certificate of mailing, affixed to the door, or sent by email, text or tenant portal if the tenant has chosen electronic delivery. The landlord's court complaint must state the date the notice was provided, and the tenant can challenge that date. Keep a copy of the notice and proof of how it was delivered.

If the tenant doesn't pay, cure or move out, the landlord files a case in District Court. In nonpayment cases, a tenant can redeem the tenancy by paying all past-due amounts and court costs before the eviction is carried out, unless three judgments for unpaid rent were entered in the prior 12 months. Under § 8-216, a landlord may not lock out a tenant or cut off heat, water, electricity or gas; possession may be taken only through a warrant of restitution executed by a sheriff or constable.