Maryland Rent increase notice
How much notice does a landlord need to give to raise the rent in Maryland?
A landlord must give written notice before raising rent: at least 90 days for terms over 1 month; 60 days for terms over 1 week up to 1 month; and for terms of 1 week or less, 7 days with a written lease or 21 days without one. Notice goes by first-class mail with a certificate of mailing, or electronically if the tenant chose that. This does not apply where the landlord has already given notice to terminate under § 8-402(c)(2). Local laws may require more.
Verified Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-209(a)(2), (b)(3), (c) · last checked 2026-10-23
How this works in Maryland
A Maryland landlord must give written notice before raising rent: at least 90 days for terms over 1 month; 60 days for terms over 1 week up to 1 month; and for terms of 1 week or less, 7 days with a written lease or 21 days without one. Notice goes by first-class mail with a certificate of mailing, or electronically if the tenant chose that. This does not apply where the landlord has already given notice to terminate under § 8-402(c)(2). Local laws may require more.
Worked example for Maryland
Example: The tenancy is for a term of more than 1 month, and you want an increase to take effect on August 1, 2026. At least 90 days' written notice is due by May 3, 2026. You send it by first-class mail with a certificate of mailing, unless the tenant chose electronic notice. If the term were over 1 week up to 1 month, the period would be 60 days, due by June 2, 2026. This does not apply where you have already given notice to terminate under § 8-402(c)(2). Local laws may require more.
Maryland timelines and limits
| Term of more than 1 month | At least 90 days' written notice |
|---|---|
| Term of more than 1 week up to 1 month | At least 60 days' written notice |
| Term of 1 week or less | 7 days with a written lease, or 21 days without one |
| How to give notice | First-class mail with a certificate of mailing, or electronically if the tenant chose that |
| Exception | Does not apply where the landlord has already given notice to terminate under § 8-402(c)(2) |
| Local laws | May require more |
Maryland FAQ
How much notice does a Maryland landlord have to give to raise rent?
At least 90 days for a term of more than 1 month, 60 days for a term of more than 1 week up to 1 month, and for a term of 1 week or less, 7 days with a written lease or 21 days without one, under Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-209.
How must the notice be given?
By first-class mail with a certificate of mailing, or electronically if the tenant chose that.
Are there exceptions or stricter local rules?
This does not apply where the landlord has already given notice to terminate under § 8-402(c)(2). Local laws may require more.
Sources for this section: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-209(a)(2), (b)(3), (c) (checked 2026-10-23)
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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