Which disclosures must a Maryland lease include?
| Disclosure | Authority | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Tenants' Bill of Rights | Renters' Rights & Stabilization Act (2024) | Every lease |
| Security-deposit receipt + inspection rights | Md. Real Prop. § 8-203 | Any lease where a deposit is collected |
| Maryland Lead Law registration, certificate & notices | Md. Environment Art. Title 6, Subtitle 8 | Most pre-1978 rentals |
| Lead-based paint hazard + EPA pamphlet | Title X (federal) | Housing built before 1978 |
The Tenants' Bill of Rights (2024)
Under the Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024, the state Tenants' Bill of Rights summary must be attached to every lease. It is a plain-language statement of tenant rights and landlord obligations, and it is a new, easy-to-miss requirement for leases signed on or after October 1, 2024.
The security-deposit receipt and inspection rights (§ 8-203)
A Maryland landlord must give a written receipt for the security deposit (it may be in the lease); failing to do so carries a $25 penalty. The receipt must also tell the tenant about the right to a move-in inspection (requested by certified mail within 15 days of occupancy) and a move-out inspection (requested at least 15 days before moving). See our Maryland lease requirements guide for the one-month deposit cap, the 45-day return, interest, and treble-damages exposure.
The Maryland Lead Law (pre-1978 rentals)
Maryland has one of the strictest lead regimes in the country. For most pre-1978 rentals, the owner must:
- Register the unit with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and renew the registration on schedule.
- Obtain a lead-safe or lead-free certificate before occupancy.
- Give the tenant the MDE Notice of Tenant's Rights, the EPA pamphlet, and the lead inspection certificate at each occupancy.
Federal lead-based paint disclosure
On top of the Maryland Lead Law, federal law (Title X) requires the signed lead-warning disclosure, any known records, and the EPA pamphlet Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home for pre-1978 housing. The two regimes operate together.
What happens if a Maryland landlord skips a required disclosure?
Consequences vary:
- No deposit receipt: a $25 penalty, and deposit missteps can cost up to threefold damages plus attorney's fees (§ 8-203).
- Lead-law noncompliance: exposes the owner to MDE penalties, tenant claims, and loss of certain defenses in lead-poisoning cases.
- No Tenants' Bill of Rights: non-compliant with the 2024 Act.
Managing rentals in more than one state? Compare Maryland's list with our Virginia and New Jersey disclosure checklists.
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Create your Maryland lease agreement →Frequently asked questions
What disclosures are required in a Maryland lease?
The Tenants' Bill of Rights (2024 Act) attached to the lease, a security-deposit receipt stating the move-in and move-out inspection rights (Md. Real Prop. § 8-203), the Maryland Lead Law registration and notices for pre-1978 rentals, and the federal lead-based paint disclosure.
What is the Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights?
A plain-language state summary of tenant rights and landlord obligations that, under the 2024 Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act, must be attached to every lease.
What must a Maryland security-deposit receipt say?
It must acknowledge the deposit and inform the tenant of the right to a move-in inspection (requested within 15 days of occupancy) and a move-out inspection (requested at least 15 days before moving) (Md. Real Prop. § 8-203).
What does the Maryland Lead Law require?
For most pre-1978 rentals, the owner must register the unit with MDE, obtain a lead-safe or lead-free certificate before occupancy, and give the tenant the MDE Notice of Tenant's Rights, the EPA pamphlet, and the inspection certificate.
Does Maryland require a federal lead-paint disclosure too?
Yes. The federal Title X disclosure (signed lead-warning statement, known records, and EPA pamphlet) applies to pre-1978 housing alongside the Maryland Lead Law.
Official sources
Primary statutes and official government references for this guide. Statutes change — always confirm against the current official text before you act.