Baltimore Lease Agreement (2025)

• Ensure your rental property is registered with Baltimore City to avoid penalties.
• Stay updated on Maryland’s changing landlord-tenant laws to ensure compliance.
• Consider using automated AI form assistance for drafting leases to ensure all legal requirements are met without the need for costly legal services.
• Conduct regular property inspections to preemptively address maintenance issues and uphold tenant satisfaction.
• Communicate clearly with tenants about lease terms and any changes to foster a transparent landlord-tenant relationship.

Baltimore's rental landscape in 2025 is marked by a relatively low vacancy rate of around 4%, indicating strong demand. Popular neighborhoods such as Fells Point and Mount Vernon are particularly sought after, attracting a mix of young professionals and families. The city’s rental demand is fueled by its proximity to major employers and educational institutions. Landlord-tenant dynamics in Baltimore are shaped by a mix of competitive market forces and stringent state regulations, necessitating that landlords remain knowledgeable of both rental trends and legal obligations. This combination of high demand and regulatory oversight makes Baltimore a challenging yet rewarding rental market for informed landlords.

• Security deposit return within 45 days with itemized deductions, as per Maryland Real Property Code § 8-203.
• Ensure rental properties meet local health and safety standards, including compliance with the Maryland Housing Code.
• Provide a rent receipt for payments, which is mandatory under Maryland law.
• Maintain common areas and perform necessary repairs within a reasonable time frame to ensure habitability.
• Provide tenants with a copy of the rental agreement and any amendments, as required by Maryland’s tenant protection laws.
• Notify tenants in writing of any change in property management or ownership.

• Right to habitable premises under the Maryland housing code, ensuring all rental units are safe and sanitary.
• Protection against retaliatory eviction, where landlords cannot evict tenants for exercising their legal rights.
• Right to privacy with landlords required to provide notice before entering a tenant’s dwelling.
• Capability to withhold rent in escrow for severe housing code violations until necessary repairs are made.
• Security deposit limits capped at two months’ rent, with interest payable after the first year, as stipulated by Maryland law.
• Access to the Baltimore City Rent Court for resolving disputes efficiently.

Baltimore imposes specific lease requirements to enhance tenant protections and ensure landlord accountability. Landlords must register rental properties with the Baltimore City Housing Department and undergo periodic inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards. Although Baltimore itself does not have rent control laws, landlords must adhere to Maryland's broader tenant protection statutes. Additionally, landlords are required to disclose any lead paint hazards, in compliance with federal and state regulations, given Baltimore's older housing stock.

State: Maryland

City: Baltimore

Document Type: Residential Lease