Maryland Rent Increase Rules
At a glance
Notice before a rent increase
Maryland requires 90 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
The notice must be in writing and state the new rent amount and the effective date. Verbal notice alone is not sufficient. If your landlord raises rent without providing the required 90-day written notice, the increase is not legally effective and you may continue paying your current rent until proper notice is given and the notice period runs.
Limits on how much rent can increase
Maryland has a rent cap. Annual increases are limited to: Varies by locality (Montgomery County: CPI-based cap).
Maryland requires 90 days' written notice before a rent increase for month-to-month tenancies (HB 151, eff. Oct. 1, 2023, amending § 8-209). For week-to-week/short-term tenancies, 60 days. No statewide cap. Maryland does not preempt local rent control — Montgomery County, Takoma Park, and Hyattsville have local rent stabilization ordinances.
Rent increases during a fixed-term lease
In Maryland — as in every U.S. state — a landlord cannot raise rent during a fixed-term lease (such as a 12-month lease) unless the lease itself contains a rent escalation clause allowing it. Your rent is locked in for the entire lease term. At renewal, the landlord may propose a new rent amount; you can accept, negotiate, or choose not to renew.
Retaliatory and discriminatory rent increases
Even where no cap exists, landlords in Maryland cannot raise rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising a legal right — such as complaining to a housing inspector, requesting repairs, or organizing with other tenants. Retaliatory rent increases violate state law and federal fair housing laws. Similarly, a landlord cannot target a rent increase based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or other protected classes.
Common questions about rent increases in Maryland
Can my Maryland landlord raise rent mid-lease?
No. Rent cannot be raised during a fixed-term lease unless the lease itself contains a rent escalation clause. The landlord can propose a new rent only when the lease renews or when you're month-to-month.
What happens if my Maryland landlord doesn't give proper notice?
If your landlord raises rent without giving 90 days' written notice, the increase is not legally effective. You can continue paying the old amount until proper notice is provided and the notice period expires.
Does Maryland have rent control?
Yes. Maryland has rent control or stabilization: Varies by locality (Montgomery County: CPI-based cap). Check with your local housing authority for details.
Is the rent increase notice required to be in writing in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland requires written notice of a rent increase. Verbal notice alone is not sufficient. The notice should state the new rent amount and the date it takes effect.