Orders Came In: A 30-Day Plan for Your Southern Maryland Rental

What should I do first when PCS orders arrive?

Decide what the house will be. You have three paths: rent it, sell it or keep it empty. Renting needs the most prep, so start there if you want that option. Read your orders for your report date. Work back from it.

A PCS move is a permanent change of station. Orders give you a date and a place. Your rental plan needs both.

Who does the SCRA lease rule protect?

The service member who is the tenant. The Justice Department says the SCRA lease rule covers premises occupied, or intended to be occupied, by a servicemember or dependents. A tenant who gives proper written notice and a copy of orders ends a monthly lease 30 days after the next rent payment is due. See the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act entry.

That rule is about leases you sign as a renter. It does not let an owner end a tenant’s lease. The sources I read do not describe such a right for owners. Read your lease and Maryland law, and ask a legal office.

Does the SCRA help me with my mortgage?

Possibly, but only for loans you took on before you entered military service. The Justice Department says the 6 percent interest cap applies to pre-service debts. For a mortgage, the cap runs during service and for one year after. You must give the lender written notice and a copy of orders.

Military OneSource says no sale or foreclosure for nonpayment of a “preservice mortgage debt” is valid during, or within nine months after, active duty unless a court orders it. If you bought the home while on active duty, these rules may not apply. A military legal assistance office can tell you.

What does a 30-day plan look like?

The rental property insurance guide explains why that last step matters.

Which county rules should I check?

Rules differ by county and by town. Here is what the sources I opened show, as of October 2026.

Prince George’s lists an exemption for an active member of the armed forces who maintains the property as a domicile and permanent residence. The county says documentation must be provided and accepted. If you are moving away, ask the county whether the exemption fits you. See the Southern Maryland rental license guide for the full comparison and the Charles County proposal.

What about lead paint and deposits?

If the home was built before 1978, Maryland requires you to register with the state, renew each year, and provide valid lead inspection certificates at each tenant turnover unless the home is certified lead-free. See our lead registration post.

Deposits are capped at one month’s rent. See our deposit checklist.

How do I keep my rental fair?

Describe the home and apply the same screening rules to every applicant. Do not write ads for a certain kind of renter. This is true even if you are a service member yourself. Read the Fair Housing Act entry.

What should I ask a legal assistance office?

Bring your orders, mortgage statement and any lease. These questions are a start.

1. Does the SCRA interest cap or foreclosure protection apply to my loan?
2. What notice and proof does my lender need, and by when?
3. Can I rent the home without breaking my mortgage terms?
4. Does my county’s license exemption fit my case?
5. What should I do about my state taxes and my domicile?
6. Who can act for me if I am deployed? Ask about a power of attorney.

Legal assistance offices can answer these. A web page cannot.

What should I leave with whoever manages the home?

Whether you hire a manager or ask someone you trust, hand over a complete file.

1. The signed lease and the deposit receipt, plus where the deposit is held.
2. The lead registration tracking number and certificates, if the home was built before 1978.
3. Your county or town license, or proof of an exemption.
4. Your insurance policy and the contact for claims.
5. Keys, garage openers and alarm codes.
6. Vendor contacts and warranties.
7. Your mailing address and two ways to reach you.

Next step

Getting orders and want a plan for your home? See our military PCS rental management page, then request a free assessment at /contact-us or call (301) 392-2172.

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