Maryland 3-Day Eviction Notice Overview
Maryland Does Not Use 3-Day Notices
Maryland requires a Varies notice under Md. Real Prop. 8-401. A 3-day notice is not valid in Maryland.
Maryland's eviction law is found in the Maryland Code, Real Property Article, Title 8. Maryland is unusual in that it does not have a single mandatory notice period for non-payment. Landlords can file a 'failure to pay rent' complaint in District Court once rent is late, though the court process itself provides notice to the tenant. For lease violations, Maryland requires notice before filing. Baltimore City has additional tenant protections under the Baltimore City Code.
Varies
Notice period
$15-$46
Filing fee
Md.
Governing law
2-6 Wks
Court process
Maryland's Actual Notice Period
Maryland requires a varies notice under Md. Real Prop. 8-401. Using the wrong notice period is one of the most common grounds for dismissal in District Court.
Varies Notice (Md. Real Prop. 8-401)
The landlord must deliver a written notice giving the tenant the required time to pay rent or vacate. The notice must state the exact amount of past-due rent. If the tenant pays in full within the notice period, the notice is void and the tenancy continues.
Maryland Legal Requirements
- Written Notice: Must be in writing under Maryland law
- Rent Amount: State the exact dollar amount of past-due rent owed
- Notice Period: Allow varies for the tenant to pay or vacate
- Property Address: Include the complete rental property address
- Tenant Names: Include all tenants named on the lease agreement
- Proper Service: Use an approved service method under Maryland law
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Maryland
Personal Delivery
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. Use a witness or process server to document delivery
Posting and Mailing
If personal delivery fails, post the notice on the door and mail a copy by certified or first-class mail
Wait the Full Notice Period
Allow the full varies to pass. The day of service does not count as day one
File in District Court
After the notice period expires without payment, file the eviction complaint with proof of service
Maryland Eviction Timeline
After the notice period expires, the landlord files in District Court. The court issues a summons and schedules a hearing, typically within 7 to 21 days. If the landlord prevails, the court enters a judgment for possession, and the sheriff or constable executes the writ.
Total timeline from initial notice to physical removal is typically 2-6 wks for uncontested cases. Contested cases with defenses, counterclaims, or appeals can add several weeks to the process.
Maryland Court Fees & Costs
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $15-$46 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $75 |
| Writ of Possession | $30 - $75 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $500 - $2,500 |
Sample Maryland Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Maryland-compliant notice under Md. Real Prop. 8-401.
VARIES NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF MARYLAND
Pursuant to Md. Real Prop. 8-401
TO TENANT(S):
Name: [Tenant Full Name]
PREMISES:
Address: [Address, City, MD ZIP]
RENT DUE:
$[Amount] for [Period]
MARYLAND COMPLIANCE
This notice complies with Md. Real Prop. 8-401 requiring a Varies notice period.