Rent increases are a significant concern for renters, particularly in areas where housing demand is high. As Maryland moves into 2025, understanding the state’s rules and regulations on rent increases is crucial for tenants. The laws governing rent increases in Maryland aim to balance the interests of landlords and tenants, ensuring that rent hikes are fair and transparent. In this guide, we’ll break down what tenants need to know about Maryland’s rent increase laws for 2025, including how often rent can be raised, the notice period required, and protections for tenants.
The Basics of Rent Increases in Maryland
In Maryland, the law does not impose strict rent control on most residential properties, meaning landlords have the freedom to raise rents. However, there are specific regulations regarding how and when rent increases can occur, especially in cities and counties that have their own rent control ordinances.
- No Statewide Rent Control: Unlike some states, Maryland does not have statewide rent control laws that limit the amount or frequency of rent increases. This means that in most of the state, landlords can raise rent as they see fit, provided they follow proper notice procedures. However, certain cities or counties may have their own rules, particularly when it comes to older buildings or affordable housing.
- Local Rent Control Ordinances: Some cities in Maryland, such as Montgomery County and Prince George’s County, have rent control laws that limit how much landlords can increase rent, particularly for certain types of rental properties. These ordinances typically apply to older buildings or properties that are considered affordable housing. Tenants in areas with rent control laws will be protected from excessive rent hikes.
- Lease Agreements and Rent Increases: If you are renting under a fixed-term lease (such as a one-year lease), the rent amount cannot be changed during the lease term unless the lease specifically allows for a rent increase. Once the lease ends, landlords can propose a rent increase when offering a new lease agreement. For month-to-month leases, rent can be increased with proper notice, even before the lease expires.
Notice Requirements for Rent Increases
In Maryland, landlords are required to provide tenants with adequate notice before increasing rent. The amount of notice depends on the type of lease:
- Month-to-Month Leases: For tenants on a month-to-month lease, the landlord must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before increasing the rent. This notice must be given before the end of the current rental period, and the tenant must have sufficient time to decide whether to accept the increase or move out.
- Fixed-Term Leases: For tenants on a fixed-term lease, such as a one-year lease, the landlord cannot increase the rent during the term of the lease unless the lease allows for such an increase. If the landlord wants to increase the rent at the end of the lease term, they must notify the tenant in writing before the lease expires. However, in the absence of rent control regulations in the area, there are no restrictions on how much the rent can be increased.
- Rent Control Areas: In areas with rent control ordinances (such as Montgomery County), landlords are required to follow the rent control guidelines, which limit the amount and frequency of rent increases. These guidelines are generally based on a percentage of the current rent and are adjusted annually. Tenants in rent-controlled areas will receive specific details about the allowable increase in their rent notice.
How Much Can Rent Be Increased in Maryland?
In non-rent-controlled areas, landlords in Maryland are free to raise the rent as much as they want, as long as they follow the proper notice period. However, in areas with rent control, such as certain parts of Montgomery County, there are strict guidelines on how much rent can be increased. For example, in Montgomery County, rent increases are typically limited to a certain percentage each year, which is adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
If you live in an area that does not have rent control, landlords are not restricted in the amount they can increase rent, though the increases must still comply with the 60-day notice requirement.
Tenant Protections Against Unfair Rent Increases
While Maryland generally allows for rent increases, there are some protections for tenants against unfair or discriminatory increases:
- Retaliatory Rent Increases: Landlords are prohibited from raising rent in retaliation for tenants exercising their legal rights. For example, if a tenant has complained about unsafe living conditions, joined a tenants’ association, or filed a complaint with the local government, a landlord cannot raise the rent as a form of retaliation. If a tenant believes a rent increase is retaliatory, they can file a complaint with local housing authorities.
- Discriminatory Rent Increases: Rent increases cannot be based on discrimination against a tenant’s race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected categories under federal and state fair housing laws. Discriminatory rent increases are illegal and can be challenged in court.
What Can Tenants Do If They Believe a Rent Increase Is Unfair?
If a tenant feels that a rent increase is excessive or unfair, there are a few steps they can take:
- Review the Lease Agreement: Tenants should first review their lease agreement to ensure that the terms regarding rent increases are being followed. If the landlord is violating the lease terms, the tenant may have legal grounds to contest the increase.
- Negotiate: If a tenant believes the rent increase is too high, they can attempt to negotiate with the landlord. This is especially common in areas with high demand for rental units.
- Check Local Rent Control Laws: Tenants in areas with rent control laws should verify that the proposed increase is within the limits allowed by law. If it exceeds the allowable increase, tenants can report the landlord to local housing authorities.
- Seek Legal Help: If a tenant believes the rent increase is illegal, they can seek assistance from a tenant’s rights organization or a local attorney specializing in housing law. These professionals can help tenants understand their rights and determine if the increase is lawful.
Maryland’s rent increase laws for 2025 allow landlords to raise rent but provide protections for tenants, particularly in areas with rent control regulations. While there are no statewide rent control laws, tenants in Maryland are still entitled to notice periods and protections against retaliatory or discriminatory rent hikes. If you are a tenant in Maryland, it’s essential to understand your rights and the regulations in your area to ensure you are treated fairly. If you believe your rent increase is unfair or unlawful, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice or assistance.
Sources
[1] https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DHCA/Tenants/RentStabilization.html
[2] https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/news-events/news/permanent-rent-stabilization-and-protection-act-prsa
[3] https://www.ballardspahr.com/insights/alerts-and-articles/2025/06/multifamily-june-2025-alert
[4] https://takomaparkmd.gov/1594/Rent-Stabilization-Rent-Increase-Allowan
[5] https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-baltimore-md
