New Maryland Landlord Laws Taking Effect in 2026: What Every Property Owner Should Know
Maryland landlords have already experienced significant changes over the past two years, but the 2026 legislative session introduced several new laws that rental property owners need to prepare for. While not every bill affects every landlord, there are two major changes that will impact many residential rental owners beginning later this year.
Here's what you need to know.
1. New Fee Disclosure Requirements (Effective October 1, 2026)
One of the biggest changes for landlords comes from House Bill 80, which is designed to increase transparency regarding rental fees.
Who is affected?
This law applies to landlords who own or manage four or more residential rental units.
What changes?
Beginning with leases signed or renewed on October 1, 2026, landlords must disclose all mandatory fees before a tenant signs the lease.
Examples include:
Administrative fees
Amenity fees
Utility administration fees
Parking fees
Mandatory technology or internet fees
Trash collection fees
Other recurring required charges
If a required fee is not disclosed before the lease is signed, the landlord generally cannot later require the tenant to pay it.
Potential consequences
Beginning February 1, 2027, tenants may bring claims against landlords who violate the disclosure requirements.
What landlords should do now
Review every lease package and marketing advertisement to ensure every mandatory fee is listed before prospective tenants agree to rent.
2. Air Conditioning Requirements Expanded (Effective June 1, 2026)
Maryland also enacted new minimum air conditioning requirements for certain apartment buildings.
Who is affected?
Generally, apartment buildings with 10 or more dwelling units.
What the law requires
The law establishes new obligations for landlords regarding air conditioning, including situations where:
Air conditioning is already installed,
The lease promises air conditioning, or
New construction is involved.
Landlords should carefully review whether their properties fall under the new requirements and ensure HVAC systems remain operational throughout the cooling season.
These Changes Build on the 2024 Rental Law Overhaul
Many landlords are still adjusting to the sweeping changes that took effect under the Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act. Those rules remain in force and include:
Security deposits
Limited to one month's rent for most residential leases.
Must be returned within 45 days with required interest.
Wrongful withholding can result in damages of up to three times the improperly withheld amount plus attorney's fees.
10-Day Notice Before Filing Nonpayment Cases
Landlords must serve the required 10-day written notice before filing a Failure to Pay Rent action. Missing this step can result in dismissal of the case.
Eviction Filing Fees
The summary ejectment surcharge generally cannot be passed directly to tenants as a lease charge.
Practical Tips for Maryland Landlords
As we head into the second half of 2026, now is an excellent time to review your rental documents.
Consider updating:
Lease agreements
Rental applications
Fee disclosure forms
Property management procedures
Advertising materials
Move-in packets
Many legal disputes arise not because landlords intentionally violate the law, but because their forms haven't kept up with legislative changes.
How MarylandLandlordForms.com Can Help
At MarylandLandlordForms.com, we continually update our landlord forms to reflect current Maryland law.
Using state-specific forms can help landlords:
Stay compliant with changing legislation
Reduce the risk of costly disputes
Prepare accurate eviction paperwork
Protect their rental business
As Maryland's landlord-tenant laws continue to evolve, having the right paperwork has never been more important.
