Maryland Required Disclosures: Lead Paint & Move-In Inspections
Understand the mandatory disclosures Maryland landlords must provide, including strict lead paint laws, security deposit receipts, and habitability.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Maryland, which established its statehood on April 28, 1788, requires landlords to provide specific legal documentation and environmental disclosures to tenants before a lease is signed. These requirements are primarily governed by the Real Property Article (effective July 1, 1974) and the Environment Article of the Maryland Code. Failing to provide these documents not only voids certain lease protections but exposes landlords to significant liability—including statutory damages and the loss of eviction rights—typically adjudicated in the District Court of Maryland.
1. Maryland's Strict Lead Paint Law
Maryland has one of the most rigorous lead paint compliance programs in the United States, governed by the Environment Article, Title 6, Subtitle 8, targeting properties built before 1978.
If the rental property was built prior to 1978, the landlord must:
- Register the property with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
- Obtain a Lead Paint Risk Reduction Certificate via an inspection by an accredited inspector every time the unit turns over to a new tenant.
- Distribute the MDE "Notice of Tenant Rights" booklet to the tenant.
- Distribute the EPA "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" pamphlet.
Failure to comply with MDE regulations effectively strips the landlord of their ability to legally evict a tenant for unpaid rent under § 8-401, and exposes the landlord to thousands of dollars in fines per violation.
2. Security Deposit Receipt and Rights
When collecting a security deposit, the landlord must provide a customized, written receipt as specified in Real Property Article § 8-203.1, which must be included in a written lease. At the time of the tenant's payment of the security deposit, the landlord must advise the tenant in writing of their right to:
- Be present when the landlord or the landlord's agent inspects the premises to determine if any damage was done, provided the tenant notifies the landlord by certified mail of their intention to move, the date of moving, and their new address at least 15 days prior to the date of moving. The date of inspection shall occur within five days before or five days after the date of moving as designated in the tenant's notice.
- For tenants who purchase a surety bond instead of a security deposit, have the dwelling unit inspected by the landlord in their presence for the purpose of making a written list of the damages that exist at the commencement of the tenancy, if the tenant requests an inspection by certified mail within 15 days of the tenant's occupancy.
Failure by the landlord to comply with the requirement to advise the tenant of their rights under subsection (f) forfeits the right of the landlord to withhold any part of the security deposit for damages.
3. Habitability & Local Licensing
Before a lease is signed, the landlord must ensure the property meets all state habitability standards and local requirements.
Many local jurisdictions—most notably Baltimore City and Baltimore County—require landlords to obtain a rental license. To get this license, the property must pass a health and safety inspection. If a landlord does not have the required local rental license, they cannot legally collect rent or evict a tenant for not paying rent in many Maryland jurisdictions.
4. Name and Address Disclosure
Under Real Property Article § 8-210, the lease must clearly state the name and address of the landlord or the person authorized to accept legal notices on behalf of the landlord. This information must be kept current and accessible to the tenant.
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Frequently Asked Questions
▶What disclosures must Maryland landlords provide to tenants?
Maryland landlords must provide certain disclosures to tenants before or at the time of lease signing. Common required disclosures include lead-based paint hazards (for pre-1978 buildings, a federal requirement), the identity of the landlord or property manager, and any known material defects in the property. Additional state-specific disclosures may include flood risk, mold hazards, and environmental conditions.
▶What are the Maryland landlord-tenant laws every property owner should know?
Maryland residential tenancies are governed primarily by the Real Property Article of the Maryland Code. Maryland law provides strong protections for tenants regarding security deposits, late fees, and eviction procedures, while also allowing some local jurisdictions (like Montgomery County) to enact stricter rent stabilization rules. This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
Read the complete guide▶What is the Maryland eviction process and how long does it take?
The Maryland eviction process requires landlords to provide written notice to tenants before filing a court action. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction — typically shorter for non-payment of rent and longer for lease violations or no-fault terminations. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Maryland. The full court process varies but typically takes several weeks.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Maryland security deposit rules and return deadlines?
Maryland has specific rules governing how much landlords can charge for security deposits, how deposits must be held, and the deadline for returning deposits after a tenant moves out. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of any deductions made from the deposit. Failure to comply with deposit return deadlines can result in penalties and the forfeiture of the landlord's right to claim deductions.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Maryland rent increase laws and caps for landlords?
Maryland has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent. During a fixed-term lease, rent generally cannot be increased unless the lease explicitly allows it. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide proper written notice before an increase takes effect. Check whether Maryland has any local rent control ordinances that may impose additional caps or requirements.
Read the complete guide▶What is the grace period for late rent in Maryland?
Maryland has specific rules regarding grace periods for late rent and the amount that can be charged as a late fee. Late fee provisions must be stated in the lease agreement, and fees must be reasonable. Check Maryland state law and any applicable local ordinances for the exact grace period and late fee limits that apply to your rental property.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Maryland lease requirements for rental properties?
Maryland recognizes both written and oral leases, though written leases are strongly recommended for terms longer than one year. Lease agreements should include the rent amount, payment due date, security deposit terms, maintenance responsibilities, and rules regarding entry, pets, and subletting. Certain lease clauses that waive tenant statutory rights may be void and unenforceable under Maryland law.
Read the complete guide▶What are Maryland landlord maintenance obligations and habitability standards?
Maryland landlords must maintain rental properties in a condition that is fit for habitation and complies with applicable building, housing, and health codes. This includes maintaining structural integrity, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and pest control. Tenants typically have the right to request repairs in writing, and if repairs are not made within a reasonable time, tenants may have legal remedies available.
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