“Are You Compliant? Avoiding Legal Pitfalls as a Landlord in Maryland”

Managing rental property isn’t just about fixing leaky faucets and collecting rent checks — it’s also about staying compliant with local, state, and federal laws. For landlords in Maryland — especially in Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and Howard County — the legal landscape is complex and constantly evolving.

At TBM Property Management, we’ve helped countless landlords avoid costly legal mistakes and protect their investments. Here are some of the most common compliance challenges — and how you can avoid them.

1. Proper Licensing and Registration

In counties like Anne Arundel and Prince George’s, landlords are required to register their rental properties and undergo regular inspections. Missing even a single renewal can result in fines — or worse, legal action.

Example: Anne Arundel County requires inspections every three years for single-family and two-family dwellings.

2. Security Deposit Rules

Maryland has strict guidelines on how security deposits must be handled:

• You can't charge more than two months’ rent.

• Deposits must be held in a Maryland bank in a separate account.

• You’re required to return the deposit (with interest) within 45 days of the tenant moving out — or provide an itemized list of deductions.

Failing to follow this law can result in tenants suing for up to three times the withheld amount.

3. Notice Requirements and Lease Enforcement

Want to raise rent? Terminate a lease? Maryland law dictates specific notice periods:

• Rent increase: 60 days’ written notice (in most jurisdictions)

• Non-renewal: Typically 60-90 days depending on local ordinances

• Eviction: Must follow proper legal channels — including court filings and sheriff involvement

Prince George’s County, for example, has its own Just Cause Eviction Ordinance that sets stricter rules on when you can terminate a tenancy.

4. Fair Housing Compliance

Discrimination — even unintentional — can land you in serious legal trouble. Maryland enforces both federal Fair Housing laws and state-level protections, including source of income. That means you cannot reject a tenant simply because they pay with housing vouchers.

Landlords who handle their own tenant screening must be very careful to apply the same standards to every applicant.

5. Proper Lease Documentation

A handshake and a handshake aren’t enough anymore. A poorly written lease can come back to haunt you. Your lease should include:

• Clear rent terms and due dates

• Maintenance responsibilities

• Late fees (within legal limits)

• Rules on subleasing, pets, and property use

We often review leases from self-managing landlords that wouldn’t hold up in court — don’t let yours be one of them.

How TBM Property Management Keeps You Protected

At TBM, we stay on top of the ever-changing landlord-tenant laws in Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, and Howard County. We ensure your leases are airtight, your properties are registered and inspected on time, and your tenant interactions are fully compliant with local and state regulations.

Don’t Wait for a Lawsuit to Get It Right

If you're unsure whether you're compliant, you're taking a risk — both legally and financially. Let TBM Property Management handle the details, so you can rest easy knowing your rental business is on solid legal ground.

Contact us today for a free compliance check and consultation. Call us now or visit www.tbmpropmanagement.com