Landlord Entering Without Notice in Maryland: What Are My Rights?
This page explains when your landlord can enter your home in Maryland and how much notice they must give. It also covers what the law says about lockouts and changing your locks. It does not cover eviction through court. For that, see the Maryland eviction guide.
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Your landlord has the right to come into your home in Maryland, but only for a real reason. The law lists making necessary repairs, checking on the unit, and showing it to a new renter as reasons that count.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Unless your lease says otherwise, you have the right to quiet enjoyment of your home in Maryland. Quiet enjoyment means peace and privacy while you live there.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Before your landlord enters your home to inspect it or make repairs, they must give you written notice. That notice must come at least 24 hours before they enter.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Your landlord can only enter your home between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The time limit does not apply if it is an emergency.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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You can choose to let your landlord enter with less than 24 hours notice. You must agree to this in writing first.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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In an emergency, your landlord does not have to wait the usual 24 hours before entering your home.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Some cities and counties in Maryland may have their own rules for when your landlord can enter. Check your city's guide for those rules.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Keep a written record every time your landlord enters your home or tries to enter without following these rules. Write down the date, the time, and what happened.
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Your landlord cannot lock you out of your home or take it back by force. They can only take it back if a court orders your eviction and a sheriff or constable carries it out. The same is true if you moved out for good or agreed to give the home back.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Your landlord can change your locks for a short time if your home cannot be locked or kept safe. They must try in good faith to give you notice, so you can get back in quickly.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Your landlord cannot try to evict you by changing your locks or shutting off your utilities (water, electric, gas). They also cannot take other similar actions that keep you out or make your home unsafe to live in.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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If you win in court because your landlord locked you out without a court order, they must pay your actual losses. They must also pay your reasonable lawyer fees and court costs. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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