Maryland Late fees
Can a landlord charge a late fee in Maryland, and how much?
A lease may not provide for a late penalty over 5% of the rent due for that period (weekly leases: no more than $3 per week or $12 per month).
Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(3) · last checked 2026-10-15
How this works in Maryland
A Maryland lease may not provide for a late penalty over 5% of the rent due for that period. For weekly leases, the late penalty may be no more than $3 per week or $12 per month.
Worked example for Maryland
Example: Monthly rent due for the period is $1,000. A late penalty may not exceed 5% of that amount, which is $50. If rent were paid in weekly installments, the late penalty may be no more than $3 per week or $12 per month.
Maryland timelines and limits
| Monthly or other non-weekly rent | A late penalty may not exceed 5% of the rent due for that period |
|---|---|
| Weekly leases | No more than $3 per week or $12 per month |
Maryland FAQ
How much can a Maryland landlord charge for late rent?
A lease may not provide for a late penalty over 5% of the rent due for that period, under Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(3).
What if rent is paid weekly?
The late penalty may be no more than $3 per week or $12 per month.
Is the 5% cap in the lease, or only in how much I collect?
A lease may not provide for a late penalty over 5% of the amount of unpaid rent due for the rental period for which the payment was delinquent.
Sources for this section: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(3) (checked 2026-10-15)
Same topic in neighboring states
All Maryland landlord-tenant law · Maryland landlord FAQ · Security deposit limit · Deposit return deadline · Notice to enter · Required lease disclosures · Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone)
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