Landlord Entry Rules in Maryland
Maryland rules on landlord entry for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-23.
Short answer: Written notice at least 24 hours in advance stating the approximate date/time and specific purpose; entry only 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday, unless the tenant agrees in writing to another time or shorter notice. Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-221
The rules in Maryland
| Landlord entry notice | Written notice at least 24 hours in advance stating the approximate date/time and specific purpose; entry only 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday, unless the tenant agrees in writing to another time or shorter notice. Permitted purposes include repairs/maintenance, inspections, showing the unit, safety, government-ordered work, and responding to a written tenant request. No notice needed in an emergency. Enacted by 2025 Md. Laws ch. 564 (HB 1076), approved May 13, 2025, effective October 1, 2025 (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1076?ys=2025RS). Notice may be mailed first-class with a certificate of mailing, posted on the door, or sent electronically if the tenant chose that method. Remedies: injunction and/or damages for breach of quiet enjoyment. A tenant alleging a housing code violation must allow access within 24 hours after notifying the landlord (§ 8-221(f)). A 2026 bill to allow entry without notice for tenant-requested repairs (SB 635) did not pass. Source: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-221 |
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Related questions
Maryland vs. neighboring states
| State | Landlord entry notice |
|---|---|
| Maryland | Written notice at least 24 hours in advance stating the approximate date/time and specific purpose; entry only 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday, unless the tenant agrees in writing to another time or shorter notice. Permitted purposes include repairs/maintenance, inspections, showing the unit, safety, government-ordered work, and responding to a written tenant request. No notice needed in an emergency. Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-221 |
| Delaware | At least 48 hours' notice, entry only between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., except for tenant-requested repairs. Emergency entry allowed at any time. Tenant may waive the 48-hour notice only for showings to prospective tenants or buyers, in a signed addendum. 25 Del. C. § 5509 |
| Pennsylvania | No statute. None in the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 |
| Virginia | Landlord must give notice of intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times; at least 72 hours' notice for routine maintenance not requested by the tenant. No notice needed in an emergency, when impractical, or when the tenant requested the maintenance. Va. Code 55.1-1229 |
| West Virginia | No statute W. Va. Code ch. 37, art. 6 (no entry-notice section) |
| District of Columbia | Written notice at least 48 hours in advance (unless the tenant agrees in writing to less), entry only 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and not on Sundays or federal holidays (unless the tenant agrees), and only for a listed reasonable purpose. No notice needed in an emergency. Email/text notice counts only if the tenant acknowledges it in writing; otherwise paper notice is also required. D.C. Code § 42-3505.51 |
City rules that may add to state law
More Maryland rental law
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- Free legal help in Maryland
Compare landlord entry in all 50 states and DC →
Landlord Entry Rules in Maryland FAQ
Can a landlord enter without notice in Maryland?
Written notice at least 24 hours in advance stating the approximate date/time and specific purpose; entry only 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday, unless the tenant agrees in writing to another time or shorter notice. Permitted purposes include repairs/maintenance, inspections, showing the unit, safety, government-ordered work, and responding to a written tenant request. No notice needed in an emergency. (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-221)
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.