Maryland Eviction Notice Overview
Maryland’s eviction notice periods vary by county and violation type. There is no standard 14-day notice in Maryland. Under Maryland Real Property Code §8-402.1, most lease violation notices require 30 days for month-to-month tenancies. Maryland’s eviction process is handled exclusively by the District Court of Maryland, which has locations in every county. Baltimore City and Prince George’s County have the highest eviction rates in the state.
Maryland has been expanding tenant protections in recent years. The state enacted the COVID-era Access to Counsel in Evictions Act, providing free legal representation to low-income tenants in certain jurisdictions. Montgomery County and Baltimore City have local tenant protection ordinances. For non-payment, landlords can file immediately after rent is late with no required notice period—making Maryland unusual in this regard. The distinction between lease violations (which require notice) and non-payment (which may not) is critical for Maryland landlords.
Varies
Statutory minimum
$15–$46
District Court filing
Written
Notice required
3–8 Wks
Total process
Maryland’s Variable Notice Periods by County
Maryland does not have a single statewide notice period for lease violations. Under Real Property §8-402.1, the notice period depends on the type of tenancy and the county. Most lease violations require the landlord to provide notice (typically 30 days for month-to-month tenancies) before filing. For non-payment of rent, Maryland is unusual: landlords can file a failure to pay rent action as soon as rent is one day late, with no notice required (Real Property §8-401).
Maryland Notice Periods
30-day notice: Typical for lease violations in most counties
No notice required: Non-payment of rent — landlord may file immediately (RP §8-401)
14-day notice: May apply to some breach-of-lease situations depending on lease terms
60-day notice: Required in some counties for month-to-month termination
Baltimore City: Additional protections under local ordinances
Common Violations Addressed by This Notice in Maryland
- Unauthorized pets or animals
- Unauthorized occupants or subletting
- Excessive noise or disturbances
- Property damage beyond normal wear
- Failure to maintain the unit
- Operating businesses without permission
Maryland Legal Requirements
Maryland courts require strict compliance with notice requirements. A deficient notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case, wasting time and filing fees. Here are the mandatory elements:
- Written Notice: Maryland requires written notice for lease violations. The format and timing depend on county and tenancy type
- Violation Description: Describe the specific lease term violated with enough detail for the tenant to understand
- Notice Period: Provide the applicable notice period for your county and tenancy type
- Landlord Information: Include landlord name, address, and phone number
- Lead Paint Disclosure: For properties built before 1978, Maryland requires lead paint disclosures
Serving the Notice in Maryland
Proper service is critical in Maryland. The method of delivery determines when the notice period starts running and must be documented for court proceedings.
Personal Delivery
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. Maryland District Court prefers personal service.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail with return receipt. This is widely accepted by Maryland courts.
First-Class Mail
Acceptable for some notice types in Maryland, though certified mail is preferred.
Maryland Eviction Timeline
The complete eviction process in Maryland, from notice to physical removal, follows this general timeline for uncontested cases:
Maryland Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Maryland. Fees may vary by county or court location.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $15 – $46 |
| Sheriff Service | $40 – $80 |
| Warrant of Restitution | $40 – $60 |
| Sheriff Eviction Execution | $50 – $100 |
| Attorney Fees | $800 – $2,500 |
Sample Maryland Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Maryland-compliant eviction notice. The generated document includes all elements required under MD law.
NOTICE OF BREACH OF LEASE
STATE OF MARYLAND
Pursuant to MD Real Property §8-402.1
TO (TENANT):
Name: [Tenant Full Legal Name]
Address: [Maryland Property Address]
VIOLATION / GROUNDS:
[Detailed description of violation with dates]
DEMAND
You are in violation of your lease agreement as described above. You are required to cure this violation or vacate the premises. Failure to do so will result in breach-of-lease proceedings in the District Court of Maryland.