Maryland Statewide Rule
Maryland Landlord Entry Notice (Real Property § 8-221)
Key Facts
- Required notice
- 24 hours' written notice
- Permitted entry hours
- 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., Mon–Sat
- Emergency entry
- Allowed without notice
- Statewide statute?
- Yes, § 8-221, effective Oct 1, 2025
Summary
Maryland adopted a statewide landlord-entry statute effective October 1, 2025. Under Real Property § 8-221, landlords must give at least 24 hours' written notice and may enter only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except in emergencies. The notice must state the date, approximate time, and purpose of entry.
(c) (1) A landlord shall provide written notice to the tenant at least 24 hours in advance of the time that the landlord intends to enter the leased premises. (2) The notice shall include: (i) The date and approximate time that the landlord intends to enter; and (ii) The specific purpose of entry.
Full Breakdown
Md. Code, Real Property § 8-221 requires a landlord to provide "written notice at least 24 hours in advance" stating "the date and approximate time that the landlord intends to enter" and "the specific purpose of entry." Permitted entry is limited to "between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday" unless the tenant agrees otherwise in writing. Allowed purposes include repairs, maintenance, renovations, inspections, showing the unit to prospective buyers or tenants, protecting the property, and complying with government orders. A landlord may enter without notice in an emergency to protect the property or the safety of occupants. Before October 1, 2025, Maryland had no general statewide entry-notice statute and the issue was governed by the lease and common law.
Violations & Penalties
No specific monetary penalty is set in the statute; a tenant may seek relief in court for unlawful entry or breach of the covenant of quiet enjoyment (Real Property § 8-221).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice must a Maryland landlord give before entering?
Can a Maryland landlord enter without notice?
Sources
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