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Maryland Statewide Rule

Maryland Landlord Entry Notice (Real Property § 8-221)

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Maryland (2026)

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
Last verified: September 5, 2026

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?
At least 24 hours' written notice stating the date, approximate time, and purpose, and entry only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, except in emergencies (Real Property § 8-221).
Can a Maryland landlord enter without notice?
Only in an emergency to protect the property or the safety of occupants. For non-emergency entry the landlord must give 24 hours' written notice under § 8-221.

Sources

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