Baltimore, MD Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Baltimore, MD, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- Just-Cause Ordinance
- No standalone city ordinance
- Right to Counsel
- Free legal representation for low-income tenants
- Self-Help Eviction
- Illegal under Maryland law
- Court Process
- All evictions must go through District Court
- Renter's Hotline
- City provides renter's rights information
Summary
Baltimore does not have a standalone just-cause eviction ordinance, but Maryland law provides specific grounds for eviction and tenants have rights through the state's landlord-tenant code and Baltimore's tenant protections.
(c) (1) Before a landlord may file a complaint under this section, the landlord shall provide to the tenant a written notice of the landlord's intent to file a claim in the District Court against the tenant to recover possession of the residential premises if the tenant does not cure within 10 days after the written notice is provided to the tenant.
(2) (i) The written notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be in a form created by the Maryland Judiciary and notice shall occur when the notice is:
1. Sent by first-class mail, certificate of mailing;
2. Affixed to the door of the premises; or
3. If elected by the tenant, sent by electronic delivery in at least one of the following forms:
A. An e-mail message;
B. A text message; or
C. Through an electronic tenant portal.
(ii) Electronic notice under subparagraph (i)3 of this paragraph shall provide the landlord with proof of the transmission of the notice.
(3) (i) A complaint for repossession filed in accordance with this section shall include a statement that states and affirms the date on which the landlord provided the notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(ii) A tenant may challenge assertions made by a landlord under this paragraph, and the court may dismiss the landlord's complaint on a showing of sufficient cause.
Full Breakdown
Maryland law specifies the grounds on which a landlord may seek eviction, including nonpayment of rent, lease violations, holdover tenancy, and breach of lease. Baltimore has enacted additional tenant protections including a right to counsel program providing free legal representation for low-income tenants facing eviction. The city's Renter's Rights hotline provides information to tenants. Maryland requires landlords to follow the formal eviction process through the courts: self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings) are illegal. Tenants must be served with proper notice before eviction proceedings can begin.
Violations & Fines
Landlords who attempt self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) face penalties under Maryland law including potential liability for tenant damages. Evictions without proper court process are illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord evict me without a reason in Baltimore?
What is Baltimore's right to counsel program?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Baltimore
Compare Baltimore to another location·View the Maryland rental property rules overview
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