Maryland - Baltimore City Evictions - Procedures for Tenants and Landlords

Baltimore has specific procedures for tenants and landlords that must be followed. This guide introduces you to the requirements, steps, forms and other considerations you’ll need to understand if you intend to rent out a property in the area.

There are some very specific procedures that must be followed in Baltimore if you intend to evict a tenant. This guide provides information about scheduling and notifying the tenant of an impending eviction, what happens when the sheriff conducts the actual eviction, and what happens with property left behind afterward.

Who: This guide was created for landlords and tenants in the city of Baltimore, Maryland. Note that much of the information contained in this booklet does NOT apply to other areas of the state. If you are not in the Baltimore City area, you will need to ensure that you’re following the specific steps and using the correct notices/complaint forms for your area. Also note that if you are an out-of-state landlord, these regulations apply (not those in your area of residence).

What: This guide spells out exactly what is required of each party during each step of the eviction process, from the initial notice to after the eviction. It covers the full process, from the initial serving of notice to filing a complaint with the court in Baltimore. You’ll also find information concerning the eviction process itself (once the sheriff has been detailed to evict your tenant) and how to ensure that disposal of any items/property left behind after the eviction is handled correctly.

When: This guide should be fully read and understood before you decide to rent out property in the Baltimore City area. It’s essential that you understand your duties and responsibilities as a landlord, as well as what documents are used at different points during the eviction process.

Resources:

• Sample Maryland Lease Agreement
• Maryland’s Law Summary
• Further Reading: Move Out & Eviction Articles

Tips and Tricks for Landlords:

In addition to reading and understanding the laws and regulations that pertain to landlords and tenants, it’s also essential that you fully understand the language of your lease agreement. It may not contain information about things you consider violations. Therefore, the tenant will be ignorant of them as well. Always remember that if something is not spelled out in the lease/rental agreement, there’s a chance the court will side with the tenant rather than you.

Maryland Rental Forms and Templates

• Maryland Security Deposit Receipt: Any time a Landlord collects a security deposit from a Tenant, they must provide them with a Maryland-specific security deposit receipt.
• Rent Ledger: This is a great way to keep up with Rent Payments and to maintain thorough documentation of all payments.
• Maryland Notice to Vacate: This Notice to Vacate alerts occupants that the Landlord plans to retake possession of the property due to Lease violations.
• Montgomery County Notice to Vacate for Cause: This notice is for Landlords in Montgomery County that plan to retake possession because of uncured Lease violations.
• Baltimore Eviction Procedures for Landlords and Tenants: Evictions are complicated. This resource guides Baltimore Landlords through each step of the eviction process.
• Maryland Sample Failure to Pay Rent/Landlord’s Complaint for Repossession of Rented Property: This is a sample filing that Maryland Landlords can use to start eviction proceedings. It can only be used after Landlords have given proper notice.

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