Maryland · Landlord Entry

Landlord Entering Without Notice in Maryland: What Are My Rights?

This is not legal advice. We explain what the law says. We cannot tell you what to do in your situation. For that, talk to a lawyer. Find free legal and rent help in Maryland.

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.

When your landlord can come in

  1. 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.

    Source:
    1. Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights (2025), Prohibited Acts by Landlords, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs. A government guide.

  2. 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.

    Source:
    1. Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights (2025), Prohibited Acts by Landlords, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs. A government guide.

  3. 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.

    Source:
    1. Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights (2025), Prohibited Acts by Landlords, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs. A government guide.

  4. 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.

    Source:
    1. Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights (2025), Prohibited Acts by Landlords, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs. A government guide.

  5. You can choose to let your landlord enter with less than 24 hours notice. You must agree to this in writing first.

    Source:
    1. Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights (2025), Prohibited Acts by Landlords, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs. A government guide.

  6. In an emergency, your landlord does not have to wait the usual 24 hours before entering your home.

    Source:
    1. Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights (2025), Condition of Rental Units, Repair and Access, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs. A government guide.

Your locks

  1. 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.

    Source:
    1. Real Property Article § 8-216(b), Maryland General Assembly. Law.

  2. 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.

    Source:
    1. Real Property Article § 8-216(d), Maryland General Assembly. Law.

  3. 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.

    Source:
    1. Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights (2025), Evictions, Court process required, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs. A government guide.

If your landlord comes in without notice

  1. 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.

    Source:
    1. Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights (2025), Prohibited Acts by Landlords, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs. A government guide.

  2. 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.

    Source:
    1. Our editorial rules.

  3. 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:
    1. Our editorial rules.
    2. Real Property Article § 8-216(c), Maryland General Assembly. Law.

Published by Nazanin, September 27, 2026. Is something on this page wrong or out of date? Tell us.