As a renter, you have a reasonable expectation of privacy, but your landlord also has a right to enter the property to perform general maintenance, provide for the safety of occupants and show the property to potential buyers. Many tenants are unclear about the laws governing a landlord’s right to entry and responsibility to provide notice.
Here is what you need to know about when your landlord can enter your home in Maryland.
Can my landlord enter my home without permission?
In Maryland, there are no laws restricting a landlord’s right to entry or requiring them to provide prior warning to their tenants. This means that, barring any local ordinances, your landlord can enter your home without notice to address an emergency or maintenance issue unless your lease agreement states otherwise.
Some Maryland counties do require that landlords provide notice of entry, usually between 24 and 72 hours. In an emergency, landlords typically do not need to give notification. Make sure to check your local regulations.
What is the recommended notice period?
Though it is not required under state law, landlords are generally advised to provide a 24-hour warning to tenants and to schedule visits for regular hours. As a renter, it is important to comply with reasonable requests and maintain open communication with your landlord to ensure a good relationship and avoid conflicts.
If you worry about notice of entry, make sure to carefully review the lease agreement before signing and request the inclusion of a notice of entry provision.