A Maryland standard lease agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of a rental agreement between a landlord and a tenant.
This agreement typically requires the tenant to pay rent on the first of every month and provide a security deposit, usually equal to one month’s rent, at the lease’s start. Before signing a lease, it is essential that the landlord evaluates the tenant’s credentials through a rental application.
It should contain essential provisions, such as the rent amount, payment date, lease length, responsibilities of the parties, and renewal options. The security deposit receipt must be included in the lease, and both parties are legally bound to the terms of the agreement once it’s signed until the rental term’s end.
Considerations on Lease Length
- Holdover tenancy becomes week-to-week if weekly before and month-to-month in all other cases. (§ 8–402)
- Leases lasting one year or less can be written or oral. For leases exceeding a year, a written agreement signed by the creator is necessary for enforceability. This ensures that longer-term leases are legally binding. (§ 5–102)
Security Deposit
- Maximum Amount ($): Two months’ rent (§ 8-203(b)(1))
- Returning to Tenant: Within 45 days (§ 8–203(e)(1))
Rent Grace Period
There is no rent grace period for late rent payments. However, in certain areas of Maryland, such as Baltimore, Takoma Park, and unincorporated Montgomery County, landlords are required to offer a 10-day grace period for the payment of rent. (§ 8–401(a))
Landlord Resources
- Landlord-Tenant Laws – Title 8 (Landlord and Tenant)
- Handbook – Landlords and Tenants: Tips on Avoiding Disputes
