Maryland Eviction Law Changes (2024–2026): What Landlords, Property Managers, and Tenants Need to Know
Focus counties: Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Frederick County, and Charles County
Updated for: 2024–2026 Maryland law changes
Overview: Why Maryland Eviction Laws Changed
Between 2024 and 2025, Maryland rolled out some of the most impactful housing law updates in years. These changes affect:
How much rent can increase in certain counties
How long evictions now take
What notice landlords must give before an eviction
When rental assistance can pause or stop an eviction
If you deal with evictions in Maryland in any capacity, the rules are no longer the same.
Statewide Change: Evictions Now Require More Notice
This applies across all Maryland counties, regardless of local rent laws.
What changed statewide
Before an eviction can be carried out, tenants must receive at least 6 days’ written notice of the scheduled eviction date.
The notice must be properly delivered (mail + posting, and electronic if possible).
Why this matters
Evictions cannot be scheduled “last minute” anymore.
Sheriffs may refuse to execute evictions if notice rules are not followed.
Movers, locksmiths, and property managers must plan with more lead time.
Montgomery County: Rent Stabilization Is Now Enforced
Montgomery County has one of the strictest rent stabilization laws in Maryland.
What changed
Most county-licensed rental units 23 years or older are now subject to rent stabilization.
Annual rent increases are capped using a county formula tied to inflation.
A new Office of Rent Stabilization oversees enforcement.
Landlords must provide longer notice periods for rent increases.
Practical impact
Large rent hikes are no longer allowed for many properties.
Tenants have more leverage to challenge improper increases.
More disputes are being reviewed by the county before eviction cases proceed.
Prince George’s County: Permanent Rent Stabilization
Prince George’s County adopted permanent rent stabilization in 2024.
What changed
The Permanent Rent Stabilization and Protection Act of 2024 limits annual rent increases for many rental units.
Senior housing has lower allowable increases than standard units.
Some newer or substantially renovated properties are exempt.
Practical impact
Rent increases must now be carefully calculated.
Improper increases may delay or block eviction filings.
Property age and exemption status are critical.
Howard County: No Rent Cap, But Stronger Rental Assistance
Howard County did not pass rent stabilization, but expanded rental support.
Key update
Launch of an Older Adult Rental Assistance Program
Up to $400 per month
Up to 24 months
Paid directly to landlords
Practical impact
More tenants may receive last-minute rental help.
Some eviction cases may be paused or resolved before lockout.
Landlords may receive partial payments instead of vacancy.
Anne Arundel County: No Rent Cap, Targeted Eviction Prevention
Anne Arundel County did not enact rent control.
What to know
Rent increases remain market-based (with proper notice).
Eviction prevention assistance now focuses on imminent evictions only.
Tenants close to lockout may qualify for one-time help.
Practical impact
Evictions may proceed faster than in rent-controlled counties.
However, last-stage assistance can still disrupt scheduling.
Frederick County: No Rent Stabilization, Funding-Dependent Assistance
Frederick County has no local rent cap.
What changed
Eviction timelines follow new statewide notice rules.
Rental assistance is primarily state-funded or nonprofit-based.
Programs may open and close depending on funding availability.
Practical impact
Eviction timelines are more predictable than in MoCo or PG.
Assistance can still delay cases unexpectedly.
Charles County: State Rules Apply, Limited Local Programs
Charles County made no local housing law changes in 2024–2025.
What to expect
No rent stabilization
Evictions follow statewide notice requirements
Rental assistance is limited and case-specific
Quick Comparison Table
| County | Rent Stabilization | Eviction Notice Change | Rental Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery | Yes | Statewide 6-day notice | Local + state programs |
| Prince George’s | Yes | Statewide 6-day notice | Transitioning support |
| Howard | No | Statewide 6-day notice | Expanded (seniors) |
| Anne Arundel | No | Statewide 6-day notice | Targeted prevention |
| Frederick | No | Statewide 6-day notice | Funding-dependent |
| Charles | No | Statewide 6-day notice | Limited |
Frequently Asked Questions
Did eviction laws change in Maryland in 2026?
Yes. Maryland now requires at least 6 days’ written notice before a scheduled eviction can occur.
Does Montgomery County have rent control?
Montgomery County has rent stabilization, which limits how much rent can increase for many older rental properties.
Does Prince George’s County have rent control?
Yes. Prince George’s County enacted permanent rent stabilization in 2024.
Which Maryland counties do not have rent control?
Howard, Anne Arundel, Frederick, and Charles counties do not have countywide rent stabilization laws as of 2025.
Final Takeaway
Maryland evictions are slower, more regulated, and more complex than they were just a few years ago. Rent stabilization in Montgomery and Prince George’s County adds another layer of compliance, while statewide notice rules affect every eviction, no matter the county.
If you work in evictions, property management, or real estate in Maryland, understanding these changes is no longer optional.
If you need eviction movers with experience, we’d love to chat!
