Maryland Landlord & Tenant Laws: Summer 2025

In Maryland, landlord-tenant relationships are shaped by consumer protection laws. The laws safeguard renters’ rights to safe and livable housing. Here’s a recap of what protections tenants can expect as of the new legislation passed in July of 2025:

The Maryland Tenant Mold Protection Act

On July 1, 2025, the Maryland Tenant Mold Protection Act took effect. Senator Henson held a press conference in Annapolis, joined by bill advocates and community partners, to highlight how the bill advances renter safety.

With nearly 38,000 rental units in Maryland affected by mold, the bill addresses a widespread public health concern. Mold exposure is particularly hazardous to families, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Key provisions of the new law include:

• Landlords must conduct a mold assessment within 15 days of receiving written notice from a tenant reporting the presence of mold.
• Landlords are required to complete mold remediation within 45 days of finishing the assessment to ensure timely resolution.
• The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will establish statewide mold testing and remediation standards by 2027, which will guide enforcement and best practices.
• A new centralized online portal and informational pamphlets will provide resources on mold prevention, risk evaluation, and steps for remediation.

This law marks a victory in Senator Henson’s four-year campaign to protect renters’ health and ensure that landlords are held accountable for maintaining safe housing conditions.

Prohibited Acts by Landlords – Abusive Terms

Maryland’s newly enacted Tenants’ Bill of Rights, effective as of July 1, 2025, explicitly prohibits landlords from including illegal or abusive terms in leases. According to the document published by the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs, leases must not contain clauses that:

• Authorize landlords to “confess judgment” in a claim arising out of the lease.
• Force tenants to waive their legal rights and forgo their right to a jury trial.
• Shorten any notice period required by law.
• Include any provisions identified in § 8-208 of the Real Property Article or other prohibited statutory sections. MD Housing & Community Dev

Safe and Adequate Heating

Past cases underscore the importance of strong protections. In one instance reported by the Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, a landlord refused to repair a decommissioned furnace, offering only a space heater as a substitute. After mediation, the landlord acknowledged their legal responsibility and restored central heating. By law, tenants’ rights to safe utilities are non-negotiable.

Privacy, Security, and Access in the Age of Smart Locks

In a case documented by the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection, tenants pushed back when a landlord replaced traditional locks with smart locks that required a smartphone for access. Privacy concerns, accessibility for those without smartphones, and unclear fees prompted consumer officials to intervene. The outcome required landlords to provide key cards upon request, clarify fees, and commit to fairer practices.

Maryland Landlord and Tenant Law: Tenants Are Not Powerless

If you believe unlawful landlord practices have violated your consumer rights, please contact our consumer class action team today. Holding landlords accountable protects individuals and communities from predatory practices.