How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Maryland

How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Maryland

Last Updated: December 27, 2022 by Marnie Snyder

In Maryland, in order for the delivery of a lease termination or eviction notice to be legal, certain rules and procedures must be followed. If they are not and the case proceeds to court, the case may be postponed or dismissed by a judge.

Who Can Serve Eviction Notices in Maryland?

In Maryland, landlords can serve eviction notices and lease termination notices themselves. Landlords may choose to hire a sheriff, process server or independent party over eighteen (18) years old to serve an official notice, but they are not required to do so by law.

When Can Eviction Notices Be Served in Maryland?

In Maryland, lease termination and eviction notices can be served immediately on any day of the week and at any time of day.

For a 10 Day Notice to Quit, the eviction notice for tenants that do not pay rent in full and on time, a landlord can serve notice the day after rent is due. There is no legal grace period for paying rent in Maryland, rent is late starting the day after it’s due.

Acceptable Forms of Service in Maryland

A landlord can deliver notices in Maryland using any of the below acceptable methods:

  1. Handing the notice to the tenant in person;
  2. Handing the notice to a person of suitable age and discretion AND mailing the notice by first class mail with a certificate of mailing;
  3. Mailing the notice by first class mail with a certificate of mailing;
  4. Sending the notice electronically, if elected by the tenant in writing, via any of the following: email message, text message or electronic tenant portal.

When sending the notice by first class mail, add three (3) calendar days to the notice period to account for variability in post office delivery times.

Obtaining Proof of Service in Maryland

A landlord can demonstrate proof that a notice was delivered through the following methods:

  • Hand Delivery – by completing a Declaration of Service at the time of delivery.
  • First Class Mail – via a certificate of mailing and by completing a Declaration of Service at the time of mailing.
  • Electronically – by keeping a record of electronic notice submission and completing a Declaration of Service at the time notice electronically submitted.

Maryland Eviction & Lease Termination Notice Forms

Notice Form Grounds
10 Day Notice to Quit Eviction for Unpaid Rent
30 Day Notice to Comply or Vacate Eviction for Lease Violation
14 Day Notice to Vacate Eviction for Imminent Threat / Serious Harm
7 Day Notice to Vacate Ending a Weekly Tenancy with a Written Lease
21 Day Notice to Vacate Ending a Weekly Tenancy without a Written Lease
30 Day Notice to Vacate Ending a Monthly Lease

Tenancy Less Than 1 Year

60 Day Notice to Vacate Ending a Monthly Lease

Tenancy Less Than 1 Year

90 Day Notice to Vacate Ending a Yearly Lease

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