Rent increase notice

Maryland requires a landlord to notify a tenant in writing before increasing the rent. As of October 2026, the timing depends on the tenancy: at least 90 days ahead for tenancies of more than 1 month, at least 60 days for tenancies of more than 1 week but not more than 1 month, and shorter periods for weekly tenancies.

How the notice is sent matters too. It must go by first-class mail with a certificate of mailing. If the tenant elects it, it can go by email, text message or an electronic tenant portal, with proof of transmission. A landlord may not make electronic delivery a condition of accepting a lease application.

Count back at least 90 days from the date the new rent starts, and mark your calendar well before a lease renewal date. The statute says local laws that add notice or tenant protections still apply, so check your county too. Our page on Maryland rent increase rules lays out a timeline.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the linked official source or talk to a Maryland attorney.