10 Baltimore Tenant Rights Every Renter Should Know

If you’re planning on renting a property, knowing your rights as a tenant is crucial. Federal laws like the Fair Housing Act protect every tenant. However, there are several more state and local laws to be aware of to protect yourself as a renter. So, if you’re renting a property in Maryland, read along as we uncover ten Baltimore tenant rights every renter should know. 

Main Takeaways

• Baltimore tenants have rights under both federal and Maryland law, including protections against discrimination, retaliation, and unlawful eviction.
• Landlords must provide safe, habitable housing, respect tenant privacy, and follow legal procedures for security deposits, repairs, and evictions.
• If you believe your rights have been violated, document the issue, review your lease, communicate with your landlord, and seek legal assistance if necessary.

Federal Landlord-Tenant Laws

Whether you’re a landlord or a Baltimore property management company, you know that there are several laws to follow when leasing properties. While each state may have its own set of landlord-tenant laws, there are some federal laws that protect every renter in the US. 

For instance, every landlord must adhere to the Fair Housing Act (FHA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and more. Here are some of the details of each of these important laws. 

Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) ensures that each tenant has equal access to housing opportunities. It prohibits housing discrimination due to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. It also extends beyond leasing and prohibits landlords from marketing their rentals to certain groups of people. For instance, landlords cannot advertise their rentals as “women only” or “no children allowed.” 

Fair Credit Reporting Act

Another crucial law to know about is the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which regulates how landlords can use a tenant’s credit information for screening purposes. Under the FCRA, landlords must ask permission before running a credit report and provide information on the credit reporting agency used. Additionally, if a landlord takes an adverse action based in whole or in part on information in a consumer report, they must provide the applicant with an adverse action notice containing certain required information, including information about the consumer reporting agency used.

Americans With Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may apply to certain areas or services associated with rental housing, such as leasing offices and other spaces open to the public. Separately, the Fair Housing Act requires housing providers to consider reasonable accommodation and reasonable modification requests from individuals with disabilities. For example, this may include making an exception to a no-pets policy for a qualifying assistance animal or allowing a tenant to make a necessary accessibility modification.

10 Baltimore Tenant Rights Every Renter Should Know

While every landlord must follow federal landlord-tenant laws, each state may have its own renters laws to follow. If you’re thinking about renting in Baltimore, here are ten essential rights that all tenants should know about. 

Right to a Habitable Home

Baltimore tenants have the right to a habitable home, meaning that the rental property meets basic health and safety standards. That said, landlords are responsible for ensuring the home is free from hazards and has working utilities like plumbing, heating, electricity, and proper sanitation. 

Right to Privacy

Landlords in Baltimore must respect their tenants’ right to privacy and follow applicable lease terms and legal requirements when entering a rental unit. Aside from emergencies or other circumstances permitted by law, landlords should generally provide reasonable notice before entering.

Protection Against Discrimination

All tenants are protected under the federal Fair Housing Act, while Maryland law provides additional protections. Housing providers generally cannot discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, or military status.

Right to Reasonable Rent Increases

Landlords generally have the ability to increase rent when permitted by the lease and applicable law. However, they must follow Maryland and any applicable Baltimore notice requirements before an increase takes effect. Rent increases also cannot be discriminatory or unlawfully retaliatory.

Right to Timely Repairs and Maintenance

Landlords must keep their rental properties in livable condition and address qualifying repair and maintenance issues within the time required by applicable law. Baltimore tenants have the right to request and receive timely repairs for issues that impact the habitability of their rental unit.

Right to Security Deposit Protections

Landlords in Baltimore can charge a security deposit. However, under Maryland law, a security deposit generally cannot exceed one month’s rent. A limited exception may allow a landlord to collect up to two months’ rent when specific requirements involving utility assistance are met. Landlords generally must return the deposit, minus any lawful deductions, within 45 days after the tenancy ends and provide an itemized statement for any deductions.

Right to Pursue Rent Escrow for Serious Conditions

Maryland tenants generally should not simply stop paying rent when repairs are needed. If serious conditions threaten the health or safety of occupants and the landlord fails to address them after receiving proper notice, tenants may be able to pursue Maryland’s rent escrow process. Tenants must follow the required legal procedures and should consider seeking legal guidance before withholding or redirecting rent payments.

Right to Clear Lease Terms

A written lease can help Baltimore tenants understand the terms and conditions of their rental arrangement. Depending on the property and circumstances, Maryland or Baltimore law may require certain lease terms, notices, or disclosures to be provided in writing. Tenants should carefully review their rental agreement and any required disclosures before moving in.

Right to Protection From Retaliation

Baltimore law protects tenants from landlord retaliation for exercising their legal rights. For example, tenants can report health and safety violations without the threat of eviction, rent increases, or lack of essential services as punishment. 

Right to Due Process in Eviction

It’s illegal for tenants in Baltimore to be removed from a rental without following the proper legal process. Depending on the circumstances, landlords may need to provide required notice and file an eviction action with the court. Tenants generally cannot be physically removed from the property unless the landlord follows the applicable court process.

What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated

If you feel that your rights as a tenant are violated, you’ll want to act quickly. There are a few essential steps to take, including the following.

• Review Your Lease- If you think you’re being treated unfairly, the first thing you should do is check your lease agreement. It’s important that you understand your rights and your landlord’s obligations under the lease you both signed.
• Document the Incident- You’ll want to keep copies of any relevant documents and written communications with your landlord so you have as much evidence as possible. If the violation involves a physical issue, make sure you take photos to provide evidence. 
• Communicate With Your Landlord- Consider writing a formal letter or email to your landlord stating the issue and requesting a resolution. Remember to mention specific points from your lease and reference any relevant Baltimore laws. 
• File a Complaint- If your landlord does not resolve the issue, you may be able to file a complaint with the appropriate local or state agency. The agency you contact will depend on the issue, such as a housing code violation or possible housing discrimination. For discrimination concerns, tenants may contact the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights or HUD.
• Take Legal Action- If the violation is severe or ongoing, you may need to find an attorney for legal advice or to represent you in court, if necessary. For financial disputes like security deposit issues, you may be able to file a claim in small claims court. 

FAQs About Baltimore Tenant Rights

Baltimore landlord-tenant laws can sometimes be confusing, especially when dealing with repairs, security deposits, or eviction notices. Here are answers to some common questions renters have about their rights in Baltimore.

Can a landlord enter my apartment without permission?

In most situations, landlords should provide reasonable notice before entering a rental unit unless there’s an emergency. Your lease and Maryland law may outline when entry is permitted.

What should I do if my landlord won’t make repairs?

Notify your landlord in writing and keep records of your communication. If serious habitability issues remain unresolved, you may have legal remedies, including Maryland’s rent escrow process.

How long does a landlord have to return my security deposit in Maryland?

In most cases, landlords must return the security deposit within 45 days after the tenancy ends, along with an itemized list explaining any lawful deductions.

Can my landlord evict me without going to court?

No. Maryland landlords generally must follow the legal eviction process and obtain a court order before removing a tenant.

Where can I report a landlord for housing violations?

Depending on the issue, you may be able to report housing code violations to your local housing department or seek legal assistance through a tenant advocacy organization or attorney.

Find a Trusted Property Management Company

Now that you know your Baltimore tenant rights, it’s important to know what to do when they’re violated. Knowing who to contact is crucial in addressing the issue and finding a resolution.

If you’re looking at renting from a trusted property management company, look no further than BMG. Bay Property Management Group has an extensive team of professionals who can help you move into your next rental home swiftly.

Need More Advice? contact us today!