General info, not legal advice. Details

Maryland Notice to enter

Last reviewed 2026-10-23

How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering a rental in Maryland?

Before entering, a landlord must give the tenant written notice at least 24 hours in advance, stating the date, approximate time and purpose. Entry is allowed only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, or at another time the tenant agrees to in writing. A tenant may agree in writing to shorter notice. No notice is needed in an emergency.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-221(b), (c) · last checked 2026-10-23

How this works in Maryland

Maryland requires written notice at least 24 hours ahead, stating the date, approximate time and purpose. Entry is allowed only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, unless the tenant agrees in writing to another time. A tenant may also agree in writing to shorter notice, and no notice is needed in an emergency.

Worked example for Maryland

Say you need a plumber in on Saturday at 10 a.m. Deliver written notice by Friday at 10 a.m., listing the date, approximate time and purpose. Sunday wouldn't work unless the tenant agrees in writing to that time.

Maryland timelines and limits

NoticeWritten, at least 24 hours ahead
ContentsDate, approximate time and purpose
Hours7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, unless agreed in writing
EmergencyNo notice needed

Maryland FAQ

How much notice does a Maryland landlord need to enter?

Written notice at least 24 hours in advance, under Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-221.

When can a Maryland landlord enter?

Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, or another time the tenant agrees to in writing.

Can a tenant agree to shorter notice?

Yes, in writing.

Sources for this section: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-221(b), (c) (checked 2026-10-23)

This is general information, not legal advice. The verified rule and official sources above control. Check the source or a local attorney for your situation.

Related Maryland rules

Lockouts and utility shutoffs

A landlord may not take or threaten to take possession by lockout, willfully cutting services or similar action. Possession is allowed only under a court warrant executed by a sheriff or constable, or after abandonment or surrender. Tenants may recover actual damages and attorney's fees.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-216 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Maryland lockouts and utility shutoffs page

Retaliation protections

A landlord may not bring or threaten eviction, arbitrarily raise rent or cut services, or end a periodic tenancy because the tenant made a good-faith complaint to the landlord or an agency, sued or testified, joined a tenants' organization, or called police or emergency services. Tenants may raise retaliation as a defense or claim damages.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208.1 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Maryland retaliation protections page

Repairs and habitability remedies

For serious defects such as no heat, electricity or water, fire hazards, or serious threats to health or safety, a tenant who gives notice may pay rent into escrow with the court until repairs are made. Minor and aesthetic defects are excluded.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-211 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Maryland repairs and habitability remedies page

Rental inspections

No state statute creating a general rental inspection program was found in Maryland Real Property title 8.

Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. tit. 8 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Maryland rental inspections page

Same topic in neighboring states

All Maryland landlord-tenant law · Maryland landlord FAQ · Security deposit limit · Deposit return deadline · Required lease disclosures · Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone) · Move-in checklist

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