Maryland Rent Increase Laws: Notice Periods & Local Rent Control

Under the Maryland Real Property Article, which has governed landlord-tenant relations since its commencement on July 1, 1974, there is no statewide rent control law limiting how much a landlord can increase rent. However, strictly regulated notice periods apply statewide under § 8-209, and several local jurisdictions enforce strict financial caps on rent hikes. Any legal challenges regarding the validity of a rent increase notice or compliance with local stabilization laws are typically adjudicated in the District Court of Maryland for the county where the property is located.

Statewide Notice Requirements Under § 8-209

Maryland state law, a landlord cannot increase rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease agreement explicitly contains a provision allowing mid-lease increases (which is exceptionally rare).

To increase the rent at lease renewal or during a periodic tenancy, the landlord must provide written notice (via first-class mail or electronic delivery if specified in the lease) according to the timeframes established in § 8-209:

If a landlord fails to provide the proper notice, the rent increase is invalid and the tenant is only obligated to pay the original amount.

Local Rent Control (Rent Stabilization)

While the state does not cap rent increases, several major jurisdictions in Maryland do:

Montgomery County

Montgomery County enacted a mandatory Rent Stabilization law (Bill 16-23). Under this law, annual rent increases for regulated units are limited to the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) plus 3%, with an absolute hard cap of 6% annually. Landlords are required to provide 90 days' written notice for all rent increases regardless of tenancy type. Rental units built within the last 23 years are exempt from the rent cap.

Takoma Park

The City of Takoma Park maintains strict rent stabilization laws. Rent increases are strictly tied to the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI). Landlords must provide at least 2 months (60 days) written notice for any rent increase, and must apply directly to the city for any increase above the statutory cap.

Prince George's County

The Permanent Rent Stabilization and Protection Act of 2024 (CB-55-2024) caps annual rent increases for regulated units at the lesser of the CPI-U plus 3% or a maximum of 6%. This permanent legislation replaces previous temporary measures. Rental units that received their first certificate of occupancy after January 1, 2000, are exempt from these protections.

Retaliation is Prohibited

Under Maryland's retaliatory action statute (Real Property § 8-208.1), a landlord cannot raise the rent merely because the tenant:

• Complained to a government agency or the landlord about housing code violations.
• Joined or organized a tenant's union.
• Filed a lawsuit or participated in a legal action against the landlord.
• Summoned law enforcement or emergency services to the property.

Managing Complex Renewals

If you manage properties in Baltimore, Montgomery County, and Frederick, you are manage three completely different rent-capping environments. Landager ties every property to its local jurisdiction, applying the correct rent control cap and alerting you exactly 95 days before lease expiry to send lawful 90-day notices.

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How Landager Helps

Landager tracks lease terms, payments, and compliance document dates - making it easy to stay compliant with Maryland regulations.

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