Maryland Eviction Notice Overview
Maryland Varies by County -- No Standard 10-Day Period
Maryland does not have a uniform 10-day eviction notice requirement. For non-payment of rent, most jurisdictions allow immediate filing with no prior notice. For lease violations, notice periods range from 14 to 30 days depending on the county. Baltimore City operates its own Rent Court with distinct rules. A 10-day period may apply if specified in your lease, but state law does not mandate it as a default.
Maryland's eviction law is found in the Maryland Code, Real Property Title 8. The state uses a two-track system: Failure to Pay Rent (FTPR) under Section 8-401, and Breach of Lease / Tenant Holding Over under Section 8-402. These two tracks have entirely different procedures, notice requirements, and tenant protections. Maryland is one of the few states where a landlord can file a non-payment case without sending any prior notice to the tenant.
County-level variations make Maryland one of the more complex states for evictions. Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and Baltimore City each have local tenant protection laws that add requirements beyond state minimums, including mandatory mediation, right-to-counsel programs, and enhanced notice rules.
Varies
By county
$15-$46
Filing fees
FTPR / BOL
Two-track system
2-6 wks
Court process
County-by-County Variations
Maryland's local jurisdictions add layers of tenant protections that significantly affect eviction procedures. Here are the key differences landlords must know:
| Jurisdiction | Non-Payment | Lease Violations |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore City | No pre-suit notice; Rent Court handles cases | 30-day notice required |
| Montgomery County | No pre-suit notice; rental assistance info required | 30-day notice; DHCA complaint option |
| Prince George's County | No pre-suit notice | 30-day notice for month-to-month |
| Most Other Counties | No pre-suit notice required | 14-30 day notice depending on lease |
Maryland Code Requirements
Maryland's eviction requirements depend on which track the landlord uses. The FTPR track under Section 8-401 is faster but only covers unpaid rent. The Breach of Lease track under Section 8-402 covers all other violations but requires notice before filing.
When 10 Days Might Apply in Maryland
A 10-day notice period may apply in Maryland if: (1) the lease agreement specifies a 10-day cure period for violations; (2) a local ordinance requires 10 days for a specific type of violation; or (3) Baltimore City Rent Court procedures mandate a 10-day pre-hearing notice for certain proceedings. Always check your specific lease terms and local county rules.
Breach of Lease Notice Requirements
- Written Notice: Must be in writing identifying the tenant, property address, and specific lease provision violated
- Cure Opportunity: Maryland Section 8-402.1 requires notice and opportunity to cure for certain violations before filing
- Proper Timeframe: 30-day notice for month-to-month; lease-specified period for fixed-term tenancies
- Correct Court Form: Use MD District Court form DC-CV-083 for Breach of Lease / Tenant Holding Over
- Lead Paint Compliance: Properties built before 1978 must have current lead paint certificates under MD Environment Article §6-8
- Rental License: Baltimore City and some counties require a valid rental license before filing eviction
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Maryland
Service methods in Maryland differ between pre-suit notices (for breach of lease) and court-issued summons. For the pre-suit notice, Maryland law is flexible on delivery methods.
Determine Which Track Applies
If the issue is unpaid rent, you can skip directly to filing (FTPR track). For lease violations, you must send a written notice first (BOL track)
Serve the Notice (BOL Track Only)
Personal delivery to the tenant, certified mail with return receipt, or first-class mail to the tenant's last known address. Keep proof of service
File at District Court
File the appropriate form at the Maryland District Court for the county where the property is located: DC-CV-082 for FTPR or DC-CV-083 for BOL
Attend Court Hearing
FTPR hearings are usually scheduled within 5-10 days. BOL hearings take longer, typically 2-4 weeks. Bring your lease, notice copies, and proof of service
Maryland Eviction Timeline
Maryland's FTPR track is one of the fastest eviction processes in the country. A landlord can file immediately after rent is late, and the hearing is typically scheduled within 5 to 10 business days. If the tenant does not pay or appear, the court enters a judgment for possession within days.
The Breach of Lease track is slower because it requires a prior notice period (typically 30 days for month-to-month tenancies). After the notice period expires, the landlord files in District Court and the hearing is set within 2 to 4 weeks. After judgment, the court issues a Warrant of Restitution, which the sheriff must execute within 60 days.
In Baltimore City, the Rent Court handles a high volume of cases, and wait times for hearings may be longer. Tenants who qualify for the Right to Counsel program may request continuances to obtain representation, which can add 2 to 4 weeks. Appeals from District Court go to Circuit Court and must be filed within 4 days of judgment.
Maryland Filing Fees & Costs
Maryland District Court fees are among the lowest in the nation for eviction filings.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| FTPR Filing Fee (DC-CV-082) | $15 |
| BOL Filing Fee (DC-CV-083) | $46 |
| Warrant of Restitution | $40 |
| Sheriff Eviction (varies by county) | $50 - $150 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $500 - $2,000 |
Sample Maryland Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Maryland breach-of-lease notice. For non-payment cases, landlords typically skip the notice step and file directly using form DC-CV-082.
NOTICE OF LEASE VIOLATION
STATE OF MARYLAND
Pursuant to MD Code, Real Property §8-402
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Maryland Address]
TENANT:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Rental Property Address]
NOTICE:
You are hereby notified of a violation of your lease agreement. You have [30/14] days from the date of this notice to cure the following violation: _____ or the landlord will pursue legal remedies in Maryland District Court under Real Property Section 8-402.
MARYLAND COMPLIANCE
This notice complies with Maryland Code, Real Property Title 8. County-specific requirements for [County Name] have been incorporated.