Rockville, MD Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)

Eviction in Rockville is governed by Maryland Real Property Article 8 and supplemented by Montgomery County Chapter 29 landlord-tenant provisions. Maryland law requires landlords to obtain a court order for eviction through the District Court. Self-help evictions such as changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities are illegal. For lease violations, landlords must provide written notice specifying the violation and allowing a reasonable cure period before filing for eviction. Month-to-month tenants must receive at least one month of written notice to terminate. Montgomery County adds protections beyond state minimums. Under Chapter 29, landlords of properties with a certain number of units must offer lease renewals and may not refuse to renew without legitimate cause. The county also prohibits retaliatory evictions against tenants who file complaints, request repairs, or participate in tenant organizations, consistent with MD Real Property Article 8-208.1. Legitimate grounds for eviction include nonpayment of rent, material lease violations, property damage, illegal activity on the premises, and owner move-in for owner-occupied buildings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, additional protections were enacted and some extended provisions remain in effect. Contact the Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs at 240-777-3600 or Maryland Legal Aid at 410-539-5340 for eviction assistance.