Housing assistance in Maryland

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Maryland

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Maryland

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

Capped at 1 month's rent per unit, no matter how many tenants (since October 1, 2024). The cap rises to 2 months' rent only if the tenant qualifies for DHS utility assistance, the lease requires the tenant to pay utilities to the landlord, and both sides agree in writing. A tenant who is overcharged can recover up to 3 times the extra amount plus attorney's fees.

Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(b)

Deposit return deadline

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit with interest (if held at least 6 months; the greater of the 1-year Treasury rate or 1.5% a year), minus damages rightfully withheld. Any deductions require a written, itemized list of damages and costs mailed first-class within the same 45 days. A landlord who misses this deadline forfeits the right to withhold for damages, and one who withholds without a reasonable basis can owe up to 3 times the amount withheld.

Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(e)–(g)

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

Before filing a failure-to-pay-rent case, the landlord must give a written notice of intent to file, on the Maryland Judiciary's form, that gives the tenant 10 days to cure. The notice can be sent by first-class mail with a certificate of mailing, posted on the door, or sent electronically if the tenant chose that. Subsidized tenants may be entitled to longer notice.

Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-401(c)

Landlord entry notice

According to the state's Tenants' Bill of Rights, landlords must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering for inspections or repairs and may enter only Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., except in an emergency. A tenant can give written permission for entry on shorter notice. Leases and local laws may add more rules.

Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights (effective Oct. 1, 2026)

Rent increases and rent control

No statewide law limits rent increases, but some local jurisdictions do. Rent can generally be raised only when the lease is renewed, and in most cases the landlord must give 90 days' written notice of the increase. Increasing rent in retaliation for complaints or for joining a tenants' organization is prohibited.

Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights; Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208.1

If the landlord won’t make repairs

Rent escrow is available. It covers serious defects that threaten life, health or safety, such as no heat, water or electricity, rodents in 2 or more units, or fire hazards. The tenant must give notice (for example, by certified mail) and allow a reasonable time; more than 30 days is presumed unreasonable. The tenant can then pay rent into court or raise the defects as a defense, but must pay the rent into court to get relief.

Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-211

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Maryland

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Maryland resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. Real Property § 8-203 Security depositsMaryland General Assembly
2. Real Property § 8-401 Failure to pay rentMaryland General Assembly
3. Real Property § 8-211 Rent escrowMaryland General Assembly
4. Real Property § 8-208.1 Retaliatory actionsMaryland General Assembly
5. Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights (effective October 1, 2026)Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
6. Tenants' Bill of RightsMaryland Department of Housing and Community Development
7. Tenant and Landlord AffairsMaryland Department of Housing and Community Development
8. Moore-Miller Administration Publishes 2027 Tenants' Bill of RightsMaryland Department of Housing and Community Development
9. Office of Home Energy ProgramsMaryland Department of Human Services
10. Maryland Access to Counsel in EvictionsMaryland Access to Counsel in Evictions
11. Maryland Legal AidMaryland Legal Aid
12. The People's Law Library of MarylandMaryland Judiciary
13. Housing Authority of Baltimore CityHousing Authority of Baltimore City
14. Housing Opportunities CommissionHousing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County
15. Housing Authority of the City of AnnapolisHousing Authority of the City of Annapolis
16. Hagerstown Housing AuthorityHousing Authority of the City of Hagerstown
17. Public Housing Authorities datasetU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development