Can't Pay Rent in Maryland: What Are My Options?
If you cannot pay your rent in Maryland, you have options before your landlord can take you to court. This page covers late fees, talking to your landlord, and rent help programs you may be able to use. If your landlord has already sent you a notice to quit or started an eviction case, see our Maryland eviction guide instead.
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If your lease lets your landlord charge you for paying rent late, Maryland law sets a limit. The fee cannot be more than 5% of the rent you still owe for that rental period. For example, 5% of $1,500 unpaid rent works out to $75. This 5% cap is the most your landlord can charge if you pay rent monthly or for any other period besides weekly. A different limit applies if you pay rent weekly.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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If you pay rent weekly, Maryland bars your landlord from using a lease that sets a late fee of more than $3 per week.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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If your lease charges a late fee higher than Maryland's limit, the court will not enforce that part of the lease. If your landlord gives you that lease, tries to charge the fee, or says they will, you can get that money back. You may also get money to pay for a lawyer if you hire one to help you. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Check your lease first to see if it already says anything about late payments or fees. Then tell your landlord as soon as you know you cannot pay on time. Ask if they will take part of the rent now and let you pay the rest of what you owe later.
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If your landlord agrees to let you pay late or set up a plan, ask to get it in writing. A text message or email works fine. If you pay part of your rent, ask for a receipt or a written note of the date and the amount you paid. Keep a copy for yourself. This can help you later if there is a question about what you paid and when.
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Maryland's Homelessness Prevention Program can give a one-time grant paid directly to your landlord to stop an eviction and keep you safely housed. The program also offers case management, counseling, budgeting help, and education about your rights as a tenant. It can also offer mediation (a neutral person who helps you and your landlord agree).
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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To qualify, you must have a lease in your name and be able to pay your rent going forward once you get the grant. Your local department of social services decides if this help lets you stay in your home or move to another home you can afford. This happens through payment to your landlord or another arrangement your local office makes. Contact your local department of social services to ask about this program.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Maryland offers a Renters' Tax Credit to qualified renters. It pays a direct check of up to $1,000 a year. This check goes directly to you as the renter, not to your landlord.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal program that can pay part of your rent every month if you qualify. It is for families or individuals who meet the program's rules. Contact your local Public Housing Authority to ask how to apply.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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If you fall behind on rent, keep track of every payment you make. Note the date and the amount, including any time you pay only part of your rent. Write this down even if you also get a receipt. This can help you later if your landlord takes you to court over rent you still owe. It can also help if a debt collector (a company that tries to get money you owe) contacts you about the same rent.
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If you and your landlord cannot work something out, Maryland law lets your landlord start a court case for the unpaid rent. Your landlord must follow notice steps before that happens. This site's guide to eviction in Maryland covers those notice steps and what happens in court.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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