Lease Agreement Template Maryland

RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT (MARYLAND)

Document Control:

• Effective Date: [Date]
• Version: 2024.1
• Jurisdiction: State of Maryland (Governed by MD Code, Real Property Article)

1. LEGAL DISCLAIMER

NOTICE: This document is a legal template drafted for informational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Maryland landlord-tenant law (Title 8, Real Property Article) is subject to specific local ordinances (e.g., Baltimore City Code). Parties should consult with qualified counsel to ensure compliance with local security deposit escrow requirements, lead-based paint disclosures, and municipal registration mandates.

2. PARTIES

This Lease is entered into by and between:

• Landlord: [Full Legal Name of Landlord/Entity], with a mailing address of [Address] ("Landlord").
• Tenant(s): [Full Legal Name of Tenant(s)] ("Tenant").

3. PREMISES

Landlord leases to Tenant the property located at: [Street Address, Unit #, City, Zip Code] ("Premises").

4. TERM & RENT

• Term: The lease term shall commence on [Start Date] and terminate on [End Date].
• Rent: Tenant shall pay a monthly rent of $[Amount] due on the [Day, e.g., 1st] day of each month.
• Payment Method: Payments shall be made via [Method, e.g., ACH/Check/Portal] to [Account/Name].
• Late Fees: Per MD Code § 8-208, late fees shall not exceed 5% of the monthly rent and shall not be assessed until rent is at least 5 days past due.

5. SECURITY DEPOSIT

• Amount: $[Amount] (Shall not exceed 2 months' rent per MD law).
• Holding: Deposit shall be held in an interest-bearing escrow account in a Maryland bank.
• Return: Landlord shall return the deposit, plus accrued interest (if applicable), within 45 days after the termination of the lease, less any documented deductions for damages beyond reasonable wear and tear.

6. OPERATIVE CLAUSES

1. Use of Premises: The Premises shall be used solely as a private residential dwelling.
2. Maintenance: Tenant shall maintain the Premises in a clean and sanitary condition. Landlord shall be responsible for all major structural repairs and compliance with the implied warranty of habitability.
3. Right of Entry: Landlord shall provide at least [e.g., 24] hours' notice prior to entering the Premises, except in cases of emergency.
4. Quiet Enjoyment: Tenant is entitled to the covenant of quiet enjoyment of the Premises.
5. Lead-Based Paint: For properties built before 1978, the parties must attach the Maryland Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Disclosure.
6. Default: Failure to pay rent or violation of material terms constitutes default. Landlord may initiate summary ejectment proceedings in the District Court of Maryland upon proper notice.

7. EXECUTION & ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By signing below, the parties acknowledge they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms herein.

LANDLORD: Signature: __________________________ Date: [Date] Printed Name: [Name]

TENANT: Signature: __________________________ Date: [Date] Printed Name: [Name]

8. EXECUTION & ENFORCEMENT GUIDE

1. Mandatory Disclosures: Append the Maryland Lead-Based Paint Disclosure and Lead Inspection Certificate if the property was constructed prior to 1978. Failure to provide these constitutes a violation of state law.
2. Security Deposit Receipt: Upon receipt of the deposit, provide the Tenant with a written receipt, noting the bank name and account number where the funds are held in escrow.
3. Property Inspection: Perform a joint "Move-In" inspection with the Tenant, documenting existing conditions with timestamped photographs to mitigate disputes during the move-out security deposit reconciliation.
4. Local Registration: Ensure the rental property is registered with the local county/city housing department, as non-registered properties may be barred from recovering rent in court.