Maryland Rent Increase Laws: Notice Periods & Local Rent Control
Learn about Maryland rent increase laws, including the 90-day notice requirement for annual leases and local rent stabilization in Montgomery County.
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.
Maryland stands out nationally because while there is no statewide rent control law limiting how much a landlord can increase rent, strictly regulated notice periods apply statewide, and several powerful local jurisdictions enforce strict financial caps on rent hikes.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Local ordinances dictate rent control rules. Always consult a Maryland attorney. Information last verified: March 2026.
Statewide Notice Requirements
Under 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 well in advance:
| Tenancy Type | Required Notice |
|---|---|
| Year-to-Year or Fixed-Term (1+ year) | 90 days' written notice |
| Month-to-Month | 60 days' written notice |
| Week-to-Week | 7 days' written notice |
If a landlord fails to provide the full 90 or 60 days, 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 has implemented comprehensive Rent Stabilization. As of recent legislative sessions, landlords are generally capped from raising rent beyond the local Voluntary Rent Guideline (VRG) or a statutory cap (recently around 3-6%, depending on inflation and specific county calculations), plus an inflation allowance.
Takoma Park
The City of Takoma Park maintains strict rent stabilization laws. Rent increases are strictly tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and landlords must apply directly to the city if they wish to increase rent above the statutory cap (e.g., to cover major capital improvements).
Prince George's County
Prince George's County passed a temporary rent stabilization act capping rent increases for many multifamily rental properties (often at 3%), making it critical for landlords operating there to check current county limits before sending renewal notices.
Retaliation is Prohibited
Under Maryland's retaliatory eviction statute, a landlord cannot raise the rent merely because the tenant:
- Complained to a government agency about housing code violations.
- Joined a tenant's union.
- Filed a lawsuit against the landlord.
Managing Complex Renewals
If you manage properties in Baltimore, Montgomery County, and Frederick, you are navigating 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.
Sources & Official References
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