Maryland Tenant Bill of Rights
Maryland Tenant Bill of Rights (HB 693): What Landlords Need to Know
Starting July 1, 2025, all Maryland residential leases must include a new legal document—the Maryland Tenant Bill of Rights. While this requirement comes from House Bill 693, it doesn’t introduce brand-new laws. Instead, it compiles and clarifies tenant protections already on the books, making them more accessible to renters.
As a landlord, especially if you own or manage five or more rental units, understanding this requirement is critical. Including the correct documentation, updating lease language, and knowing your new administrative responsibilities are now part of legally compliant rental management.
👉 Get the official document here:
Request the Maryland Tenant Bill of Rights (PDF)
1. The Basics: What the Tenant Bill of Rights Means for You
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Mandatory for Leases Signed or Renewed After July 1, 2025
Every lease must include a copy of the Bill of Rights—failure to do so could impact enforceability or lead to complaints. -
Applies to Landlords with Five or More Units
Additional requirements around lease terms and disclosures apply if your rental portfolio includes 5+ units statewide. -
Part of Broader Tenant Communication
This document outlines tenant protections such as fee limits, deposit rules, eviction procedures, and notice periods—many of which you’re already following.
2. New Landlord Obligations Under HB 693, Maryland Tenant Bill fo Rights
A. Include the Tenant Bill of Rights with Every Lease
You must provide a printed or digital copy to each tenant. It’s not optional. The law requires this inclusion, just like the lead-paint disclosure or security deposit receipt.
B. Ensure Written Leases with Required Elements
If you manage five or more units, your lease must now include:
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Disclosure of property condition
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Division of utility and repair responsibilities
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A receipt for the tenant’s security deposit
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Contact information for you or your agent
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Clear mention of prohibited lease clauses (see next section)
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A copy of the Tenant Bill of Rights
Review and update your lease templates ahead of July 1, 2025.
C. Remove Prohibited Lease Clauses
Some clauses, while historically used, are now explicitly banned and unenforceable. These include:
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Waivers of jury trials or legal rights
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Confession of judgment clauses
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Lease terms that allow eviction without a court order
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Notice periods shorter than 30 days
Your lease must reflect these limits to avoid legal challenges.
3. What You Can Still Do (and What You Can’t) Under the Maryland Tenant Bill of Rights
Application Fees
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Capped at $25 per application if you manage five or more units
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No fee allowed if the applicant provides a recent (within 30 days) tenant screening report
This streamlines application processes but may slightly increase your administrative workload.
Security Deposits
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Limited to one month’s rent, with narrow exceptions
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You must provide a receipt
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Overcharges may result in a penalty up to 3× the excess amount, plus legal fees
Double-check your move-in process and document deposit amounts and purposes clearly.
Eviction Filing Fees and Weather Holds
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You cannot pass court filing fees ($43 + $10 in Baltimore) to the tenant unless:
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The court awards them in a judgment, and
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The lease specifically allows it
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No evictions during extreme weather, such as heatwaves or snowstorms.
Keep an eye on weather alerts if you plan to schedule evictions, and budget for potential delays.
Right of First Refusal (for 1–3 Unit Properties)
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Applies if you decide to sell a 1–3 unit rental home where a tenant has lived for 6+ months
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Must notify tenant in writing and give a 30-day exclusive offer window
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If the price later drops 10% or more, tenant’s 30- day exclusing offer window renews
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Affects both direct sales and listings with real estate agents
Factor this timeline into your selling plans and consult a real estate attorney before proceeding and to inquire about any exceptions to this rule.
4. Support from the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs (OTLA)
The new OTLA exists to support both tenants and landlords with:
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Publishing the Bill of Rights annually
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Maintaining informational websites and complaint portals
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Coordinating first-refusal processes
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Referring housing discrimination or legal cases to enforcement agencies
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Offering financial counseling resources to tenants
OTLA is not a mediator or legal counsel but will be a key touchpoint for tenant inquiries.
5. Practical Steps for Landlords
Here’s how to ensure your rental business stays compliant:
✅ Review and Update All Lease Templates
Incorporate the Bill of Rights, required disclosures, and remove any noncompliant clauses. Consider legal review.
✅ Establish a Standard Tenant Onboarding Packet
Include the lease, deposit receipt, utility allocation disclosure, Bill of Rights, and landlord contact sheet.
✅ Educate Staff or Property Managers
Make sure everyone on your team understands the new rules—especially leasing agents and those processing applications.
✅ Monitor Eviction Procedures
Use licensed professionals and monitor legal updates on allowable fee collection and filing procedures.
✅ Plan Ahead for Sales
If selling small-unit properties, understand tenant rights, notification forms, and negotiation timelines.
6. Common Questions from Landlords About The Maryland Tenant Bill of Rights
Q1: Do I need to include the Maryland Tenant Bill of Rights in every renewal lease?
Yes. Any lease signed or renewed after July 1, 2025 must include it.
Q2: Can I still charge pet fees or utility surcharges?
Yes, but ensure they are clearly disclosed and not buried in lease fine print. They must also comply with utility allocation laws.
Q3: What happens if I forget to include the Bill of Rights?
Omitting it could affect lease enforceability or prompt tenant complaints to OTLA or legal action. Always include it.
Q4: Does this mean I can’t evict a tenant in winter?
Evictions can still proceed with court approval but cannot be physically executed during officially declared extreme weather events.
Q5: Do I need a lawyer to update my leases?
While not required, having your lease reviewed by an attorney familiar with Maryland law is a wise investment, especially with these new rules.
7. Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not attorneys. Landlords should consult a qualified attorney for questions regarding lease terms, eviction procedures, or legal compliance under Maryland landlord-tenant law.
8. Landlords, Huff Insurance: Here to Support Your Rental Business
At Huff Insurance, we’ve been an independent insurance agency since 1960, helping Maryland landlords protect their investments with tailored property and liability insurance. Independent agents like us represent multiple insurance carriers—so we can find the best coverage for your properties, not just a one-size-fits-all policy.
Whether you own a few rental homes or manage dozens of units, we can help you stay protected, compliant, and confident.
