Maryland’s rental laws in 2025 offer tenants a mix of statewide protections and local regulations, with recent legislative changes affecting how, when, and by how much rent can be increased. Here’s a concise overview of what Maryland tenants should know for 2025.
Statewide Rent Increase Laws
- No Statewide Cap: Maryland does not impose a statewide cap on how much landlords can increase rent. Instead, the law focuses on notice requirements and lease terms.
- Notice Requirements: For leases longer than a month, landlords must provide tenants with at least 90 days’ written notice before any rent increase takes effect. Shorter leases have different notice periods (e.g., 60 days for week-to-month leases).
- Lease Agreement Compliance: Any rent increase must comply with the terms of the lease agreement. If the lease is silent on increases, the landlord must wait until renewal to raise the rent.
Recent Legislative Changes: Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act (RRSA) of 2024
- Effective Date: Most provisions affecting tenants and landlords went into effect on October 1, 2024.
- Key Tenant Protections:
- Caps security deposits at one month’s rent for most tenants.
- Increases eviction filing fees (which cannot be passed on to tenants in most cases).
- Establishes an Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs to publish a Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights, which must be included with every lease.
- Expands tenant rights, including a right of first refusal for small rental properties and additional protections around eviction timing and extreme weather.
- Rent Increase Regulation: While the RRSA increases transparency and tenant protections, it does not impose a statewide rent cap. However, it encourages local jurisdictions to adopt their own measures.
Local Rent Stabilization: Montgomery County Example
- Rent Cap for 2025: Montgomery County has a rent stabilization law for most rental units built in 2002 or earlier. For 2025, the maximum allowable rent increase is 5.7%, effective July 1, 2025. This is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) plus 3%, or 6%, whichever is lower.
- Voluntary Guideline: The county also sets a voluntary rent guideline (3.3% for 2025), which officials encourage landlords to consider, especially given rising housing costs.
- Notice Requirement: Landlords must provide at least 90 days’ written notice before any rent or fee increase.
Typical Rent Increase Amounts
- Across Maryland, the average rent increase in 2025 is expected to be between 3% and 5%, with Baltimore seeing a 2.4% rise over the past year-below the national average.
- Economic factors, such as inflation and local housing demand, continue to influence rent adjustments.
What Tenants Should Do
- Review Your Lease: Understand the terms regarding rent increases and renewal.
- Watch for Proper Notice: Ensure any rent increase is accompanied by the required written notice.
- Check Local Laws: If you live in Montgomery County or another jurisdiction with rent stabilization, know your specific protections and limits.
- Seek Help if Needed: If you believe a rent increase is unlawful or you did not receive proper notice, contact the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs or seek legal advice.
Maryland Rent Increase Laws 2025
| Regulation | Statewide (MD) | Montgomery County (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent Increase Cap | No statewide cap | 5.7% (for regulated units) |
| Notice Required | 90 days (for >1-month leases) | 90 days |
| Security Deposit Cap | 1 month’s rent (RRSA) | 1 month’s rent (RRSA) |
| Effective Date | Oct 1, 2024 (RRSA) | July 1, 2025 (new cap) |
If you have questions about your specific situation or want to know about your county’s rules, feel free to ask!
Sources:
- https://www.baymgmtgroup.com/blog/what-is-a-reasonable-rent-increase-in-2025/
- https://dhcd.maryland.gov/TurningTheKey/Documents/HB693-FAQ.pdf
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/mid-term-rental-laws-regulations-maryland
- https://www.sourceofthespring.com/montgomery-county-news/2845451/montgomery-county-lowers-2025-rent-stabilization-increase-limit-to-5-7-percent/
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-maryland
