Baltimore Residential Lease Agreement
Generate a residential lease agreement that complies with Baltimore's local ordinances — including rent control rules, just-cause eviction requirements, and mandatory disclosures that go beyond Maryland state law.
Baltimore Residential Lease Agreement
Baltimore, Maryland
Local Ordinances
Baltimore Lease Requirements
What Baltimore's local ordinances require that Maryland state law does not.
Landlord must obtain an annual Rental Dwelling License from the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) before renting any residential unit.
For units in buildings constructed before 1950 (or pre-1978 where applicable), landlord must obtain a Risk Reduction Certificate (lead paint inspection) from the Maryland Department of the Environment or a qualified inspector before each new tenancy.
Landlord must hold the tenant's security deposit in a separate interest-bearing account and provide written notice of the financial institution and account number within 30 days of receipt.
Landlord must return the security deposit—with accrued interest—within 45 days after the tenant vacates, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions.
Landlord must provide each tenant with a Truth in Renting notice summarizing tenant rights under Maryland and Baltimore City law at the commencement of tenancy.
Restrictions & Limits
Landlord may not rent a unit that lacks a valid Rental Dwelling License; leasing an unlicensed unit can result in civil fines and may void the landlord's right to collect rent.
Landlord may not rent a pre-1950 unit (or applicable pre-1978 unit) without a valid Risk Reduction Certificate; failure to comply exposes the landlord to strict liability for lead paint violations under the Maryland Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Act.
Under the Baltimore City Rent Escrow Act, if a landlord fails to repair conditions that constitute a substantial and serious threat to health or safety, a tenant may petition the District Court to pay rent into an escrow account until repairs are completed.
Landlord may not deduct from the security deposit for normal wear and tear; only documented damage beyond ordinary use may be charged, and deductions must be itemized in writing.
Landlord may not charge a security deposit exceeding two months' rent under Maryland law (Md. Code, Real Property §8-203), and this cap applies to all Baltimore City residential tenancies.
Notice Requirements
Baltimore City requires at least 30 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month residential tenancy, and the notice must be provided to the tenant at the rental unit or by certified mail in compliance with Maryland Real Property §8-402.
FAQ
Baltimore Lease FAQ
Common questions about renting in Baltimore.
What is the Baltimore City Rent Escrow Act and when can a tenant use it?
The Baltimore City Rent Escrow Act allows a tenant to petition the District Court to deposit rent into a court-supervised escrow account rather than paying it to the landlord when the rental unit has conditions that constitute a substantial and serious threat to the life, health, or safety of occupants. The court may order the escrowed funds to be used to pay for repairs or may reduce rent until the conditions are corrected. A tenant should document all complaints and the landlord's failure to respond before filing.
What lead paint requirements apply in Baltimore City?
Under the Maryland Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Act and Baltimore City regulations, landlords of residential units in pre-1950 buildings (and some pre-1978 buildings) must obtain a Risk Reduction Certificate from a qualified inspector before each new tenancy. The certificate documents that the property has been inspected and that lead hazards have been treated or are not present. Failure to comply can result in civil liability for lead poisoning and significant fines.
How must a landlord handle the security deposit in Baltimore?
Baltimore City landlords must deposit the security deposit in a separate interest-bearing account and provide the tenant with written notice of the institution and account number within 30 days. Upon move-out, the landlord must return the deposit—plus interest—within 45 days, along with a written itemized list of any deductions. Failure to comply can result in the landlord forfeiting the right to retain any portion of the deposit.
Is a Rental Dwelling License required for all Baltimore City rentals?
Yes. All residential rental properties in Baltimore City must be licensed annually through the Department of Housing and Community Development. The license must be renewed each year and the landlord must certify that the property meets applicable housing code standards. Renting without a valid license is a violation of Baltimore City Code Article 13 and can result in fines and loss of rent collection rights.
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