Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Maryland?

As of October 1, 2025, Maryland law has significantly changed regarding landlord entry. Landlords are now strictly required to provide notice before entering a rental property, ending the previous era where state law was silent on the matter.

Maryland Landlord Entry Rules

• Notice Requirement: Landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering.

• Permitted Hours: Entry is limited to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, unless you agree to another time in writing.

• Valid Purposes: Entry is permitted for repairs, maintenance, inspections, showings to prospective tenants/buyers, or complying with government orders.

• Emergency Exception: Landlords may still enter without notice in a genuine emergency (e.g., fire, active water leak) to protect life or property.

Legal Protections

While Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-204 establishes your fundamental right to quiet enjoyment. If a landlord enters without following these rules or uses their right of entry to harass you, you may seek an injunction or damages in court.

Note: Some local jurisdictions (like Montgomery County) may have even stricter notice requirements. Always check your local county code for additional protections.

The information for this answer was found on our Maryland Landlord Tenant Rights answers.