Maryland Residential Lease Agreement

This Residential Lease Agreement (this "Agreement") is made on [[Agreement Date]] by and between [[Landlord Full Name]] ("Landlord") and [[Tenant Full Name(s)]] (jointly and severally, "Tenant"). Landlord and Tenant agree as follows.

1. Definitions

"Premises" means the dwelling unit and any furnishings, parking spaces, storage areas, and appliances identified in Section 2. "Rent" means all amounts payable by Tenant under this Agreement. "Lease Term" means the period described in Section 3. "Security Deposit" means the deposit described in Section 6. Words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa. References to statutes are to the Maryland Code Annotated, Real Property Article, as amended.

2. Premises; Parking; Storage; Furnishings

Landlord leases to Tenant the residential premises located at [[Property Full Address, City, Maryland, ZIP Code]] (the "Premises").

Assigned parking: [[Number and Description of Parking Spaces or "None"]]

Storage: [[Storage Unit or Area Description or "None"]]

Furnishings and appliances included: [[List of Included Furnishings and Major Appliances or "None beyond standard fixtures"]]

Tenant has examined the Premises (including all systems, appliances, and fixtures) and accepts the Premises in its present condition, except as noted on the attached Move-In Inventory and Condition Checklist (Exhibit A). The Premises shall be used and occupied solely as a private residence and for no other purpose without Landlord's prior written consent.

3. Term; Possession

The Lease Term is [[Lease Term Length, e.g. twelve (12) months]], beginning on [[Lease Start / Move-In Date]] and ending on [[Lease End Date]], unless sooner terminated or extended as provided herein.

If Landlord is unable to deliver possession of the Premises on the start date, Rent shall abate until possession is delivered. If delivery is delayed more than [[Possession Delay Cap, e.g. ten (10) days]], Tenant may terminate this Agreement by written notice and receive a full refund of all prepaid amounts.

Any holding over after the Lease Term without Landlord's written consent shall be governed by Section 27.

4. Rent; Payment

Tenant shall pay monthly Rent in the amount of [[Monthly Rent Amount]], due and payable in advance on the [[Rent Due Day, e.g. first (1st)]] day of each calendar month, without offset, deduction, or demand.

Payment shall be made to Landlord by [[Accepted Payment Methods, e.g. check, electronic funds transfer, or other method designated by Landlord]] at [[Payment Address, Account Details, or Online Portal]].

If the Term begins on a day other than the first of the month, the first month's Rent shall be prorated on a thirty (30)-day basis. Acceptance of any partial payment or late payment shall not constitute a waiver of any default or of Landlord's rights under this Agreement or at law.

5. Late Charges; Returned Payments

Rent is late if not received by Landlord within [[Grace Period Days, e.g. five (5)]] days after the due date. In such event, Tenant shall pay a late charge of [[Late Fee Amount or Percentage]].

Any late charge must be a reasonable estimate of the costs actually incurred by Landlord as a result of the late payment. A fee of [[Returned Check or Payment Fee Amount]] shall apply to any payment that is returned or dishonored for any reason.

6. Security Deposit

Upon execution of this Agreement, Tenant shall pay to Landlord a Security Deposit in the amount of [[Security Deposit Amount]]. Pursuant to Maryland Code Annotated, Real Property § 8-203, the Security Deposit shall not exceed two (2) months' Rent.

The Security Deposit shall be held by Landlord as security for the faithful performance by Tenant of all terms of this Agreement. Landlord may apply the Security Deposit to remedy Tenant defaults in the payment of Rent, to repair damage to the Premises caused by Tenant, Tenant's family, guests, or invitees beyond ordinary wear and tear, and to clean the Premises to return it to the condition at the commencement of the tenancy (reasonable wear and tear excepted).

Within forty-five (45) days after the termination of the tenancy and Tenant's vacating of the Premises, Landlord shall return the Security Deposit, together with a written itemized statement of any deductions, to Tenant at the forwarding address provided by Tenant. Failure by Landlord to comply with the return and itemization requirements of § 8-203 may subject Landlord to a penalty of up to three (3) times the wrongfully withheld amount, plus reasonable attorney's fees.

If the Security Deposit has been held for more than six (6) months, Landlord shall pay interest on the deposit at the rate set by the Maryland Banking Commissioner.

Tenant shall not apply the Security Deposit as rent without Landlord's prior written consent.

7. Utilities and Services

Tenant shall be responsible for payment of the following utilities and services: [[List of Tenant-Paid Utilities, e.g. electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet, cable]].

Landlord shall be responsible for payment of the following: [[List of Landlord-Paid Utilities or "None"]].

Tenant shall have all Tenant-paid utilities placed in Tenant's name as of the Lease Start Date and shall maintain continuous service throughout the Term. Landlord shall not be liable for any interruption or failure of utilities or services not within Landlord's reasonable control.

8. Occupants and Guests

The Premises shall be occupied only by Tenant and the following additional permitted occupants: [[Names and Ages of Additional Occupants or "None"]].

Any guest who remains on the Premises for more than [[Guest Stay Limit, e.g. fourteen (14) consecutive days]] or more than [[Total Guest Nights Limit, e.g. thirty (30) days]] in any calendar year without Landlord's prior written consent shall be deemed an unauthorized occupant and a material breach of this Agreement.

9. Use; Conduct; Quiet Enjoyment

Tenant shall use the Premises in a lawful manner and shall comply with all present and future laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations of the State of Maryland, the local jurisdiction, and any applicable homeowners or condominium association.

Tenant, Tenant's family, guests, and invitees shall not create a nuisance, disturb the quiet enjoyment of neighbors, or engage in any illegal activity on or about the Premises.

10. Pets and Assistance Animals

No pets or animals of any kind are permitted on the Premises without Landlord's prior written consent, except for assistance animals as required by applicable fair housing laws.

If consent is granted, the pet policy is: [[Pet Policy Details, Breed/Size/Number Restrictions, Pet Rent or Deposit if any]].

Tenant shall be fully responsible for any damage, odor, noise, or injury caused by any animal on the Premises, whether permitted or not.

11. Smoking

Smoking of any kind (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices) is: [[Smoking Policy: Prohibited entirely / Permitted only in designated outdoor areas / Other]].

Tenant shall be responsible for all damage, including but not limited to odors, residue, and staining, caused by smoking on the Premises.

12. Parking and Vehicles

Only operable, registered, and insured vehicles may be parked in any assigned spaces. Tenant shall not park in unauthorized areas, block access, or store inoperable vehicles.

Violations may result in towing at the vehicle owner's expense after any notice required by Maryland law or local ordinance: [[Towing and Parking Violation Notice Details]].

13. Maintenance, Landlord Responsibilities

Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a habitable condition and in compliance with all applicable building and housing codes. Landlord shall keep in good repair and working order the structural components, roof, exterior, plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning, and any appliances supplied by Landlord, in accordance with Maryland Real Property § 8-211 and the implied warranty of habitability.

14. Maintenance, Tenant Responsibilities

Tenant shall, at all times:

1. Keep the Premises in a clean, sanitary, and safe condition.

2. Properly use and operate all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and other facilities and appliances in the Premises.

3. Dispose of all rubbish, garbage, and other waste in a clean and sanitary manner.

4. Keep all plumbing fixtures clean and free from obstructions.

5. Replace HVAC filters, light bulbs, batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and similar consumables as needed.

6. Promptly notify Landlord in writing of any needed repairs or unsafe conditions.

7. Not intentionally or negligently damage, destroy, deface, impair, or remove any part of the Premises.

Tenant shall be responsible for the cost of repairing any damage caused by Tenant's negligence, misuse, or that of Tenant's occupants or guests.

15. Repair Requests and Emergencies

All routine requests for repairs shall be submitted in writing to [[Landlord or Property Manager Repair Contact Name, Phone, Email, or Portal]].

For emergencies that pose an immediate threat to life, health, or property (such as major water leaks, gas leaks, or loss of heat in winter), Tenant shall immediately contact [[Emergency Contact Procedure and Phone]] and, if appropriate, call 911 or the appropriate utility emergency line.

Landlord shall make required repairs within a reasonable time after receiving proper notice.

16. Alterations, Fixtures, and Locks

Tenant shall not make any alterations, additions, or improvements to the Premises, paint any surfaces, install satellite dishes or antennas, or change or add locks without Landlord's prior written consent.

Any approved alterations or fixtures installed by Tenant shall become the property of Landlord upon installation or at the end of the Term, unless Landlord agrees otherwise in writing.

Tenant shall provide Landlord with a key or access device for any new or changed locks within twenty-four (24) hours of installation.

17. Landlord's Right of Entry

Landlord may enter the Premises under the following circumstances, upon reasonable notice to Tenant (except in case of emergency):

1. To inspect the Premises.

2. To make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements.

3. To supply necessary or agreed services.

4. To exhibit the Premises to prospective or actual purchasers, tenants, workmen, or contractors.

5. In case of emergency.

Maryland law generally requires reasonable notice (commonly at least 24 hours where practicable) for non-emergency entries. Landlord shall enter at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner.

18. Renter's Insurance and Waiver of Subrogation

Tenant shall, throughout the Term, maintain renter's insurance providing at minimum personal liability coverage of [[Renter's Insurance Minimum Liability Amount, e.g. $300,000]] and coverage for Tenant's personal property. Tenant shall provide proof of such insurance to Landlord upon request.

Each party waives any right of recovery against the other for any loss covered by insurance to the extent of such coverage. Landlord's insurance does not cover Tenant's personal property or liability.

19. Liability and Indemnity

Except to the extent caused by Landlord's negligence or willful misconduct or violation of law, Tenant assumes all risk of loss or damage to Tenant's property and the property of Tenant's guests and shall indemnify, defend, and hold Landlord harmless from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to Tenant's use or occupancy of the Premises or the acts or omissions of Tenant, Tenant's occupants, or guests.

20. Assignment and Subletting

Tenant shall not assign this Agreement or sublet the Premises or any part thereof without Landlord's prior written consent. Any attempted assignment or subletting without such consent shall be void and shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement.

Landlord's consent to any subletting shall not release Tenant from any obligation under this Agreement. The sublessee shall be bound by all terms of this Agreement and the Master Lease (if applicable).

21. Rules and Regulations; HOA or Condominium

Tenant shall comply with all reasonable written Rules and Regulations promulgated by Landlord from time to time and attached hereto as Exhibit B (or delivered to Tenant in writing), as well as any rules of any homeowners association, condominium association, or cooperative that governs the Premises: [[Applicable HOA/Condo Name and Key Rules Summary or "None"]]

Landlord may adopt additional reasonable Rules on written notice to Tenant.

22. Damage or Destruction (Casualty)

If the Premises is damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty not caused by Tenant or Tenant's guests and is rendered partially or wholly uninhabitable, Rent shall abate in proportion to the portion of the Premises rendered uninhabitable.

If the Premises cannot be restored to habitable condition within [[Casualty Repair Period, e.g. sixty (60) days]], either party may terminate this Agreement by written notice. Landlord shall return any unearned prepaid Rent and the Security Deposit (less lawful deductions) to Tenant.

23. Condemnation; Eminent Domain

If all or a material portion of the Premises is taken by eminent domain or conveyed under threat thereof, this Agreement shall terminate as to the portion taken as of the date title vests in the condemning authority. Rent shall be adjusted accordingly. Any award for the taking of the real property shall belong to Landlord. Tenant may pursue any separate claim for relocation benefits or personal property loss to the extent permitted by law.

24. Default; Remedies

Tenant shall be in default if Tenant:

1. Fails to pay Rent when due and fails to cure within any applicable notice period required by Maryland law.

2. Breaches any other material term of this Agreement and fails to cure within any notice and cure period required by law or this Agreement.

3. Abandons or vacates the Premises.

4. Assigns or sublets without consent.

5. Permits an unauthorized occupant to reside at the Premises.

Upon default, Landlord may pursue all remedies available under Maryland law, including but not limited to service of appropriate notice to quit or cure, filing of a summary ejectment action in the appropriate court, recovery of possession, recovery of unpaid Rent, damages, costs of re-renting, and reasonable attorneys' fees.

Landlord shall not engage in any form of self-help eviction, including changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing Tenant's property, except as expressly authorized by court order or Maryland law.

25. Abandonment; Personal Property

If Tenant abandons the Premises or is absent for a period of time indicating intent to abandon, Landlord may take possession and dispose of any personal property left on the Premises only in accordance with Maryland law after providing any required notice to Tenant.

26. Bankruptcy or Insolvency

Tenant's bankruptcy, insolvency, or assignment for the benefit of creditors shall not entitle Tenant to retain possession of the Premises contrary to the terms of this Agreement, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

27. Holdover

If Tenant remains in possession of the Premises after the expiration or termination of this Agreement without Landlord's written consent, Tenant shall be a holdover tenant. Tenant shall pay use and occupancy charges at a rate of [[Holdover Rate, e.g. 150% of Monthly Rent]] or such other rate as permitted by law, and shall be liable for all resulting damages, including but not limited to lost rent and costs of eviction.

With Landlord's written consent and without a new written agreement, the tenancy may convert to month-to-month on the same terms and conditions as this Agreement, terminable by either party upon proper notice under Maryland law.

28. Surrender; Move-Out

Upon termination of this Agreement or surrender of the Premises, Tenant shall:

1. Remove all personal property and debris.

2. Return all keys, access devices, garage openers, and remotes to Landlord.

3. Leave the Premises in a clean, sanitary condition, free of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, ready for the next occupant.

4. Provide Landlord with a written forwarding address for the return of the Security Deposit and any final accounting.

29. Notices

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement or by law shall be in writing and shall be deemed properly given when:

• Delivered personally; or

• Sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; or

• Sent by overnight courier with tracking; or

• Posted in a conspicuous place on the Premises (for notices to Tenant) with a copy mailed to Tenant's last known address.

Notices to Landlord shall be sent to: [[Landlord Notice Address, City, Maryland, ZIP]] or such other address as Landlord may designate in writing.

Notices to Tenant may be delivered to the Premises or to [[Tenant Notice Address if Different]].

30. Subordination; Estoppel; Attornment

This Agreement is and shall remain subordinate to any mortgage, deed of trust, or ground lease now or hereafter placed on the Premises. Tenant agrees, within ten (10) days after request, to execute and deliver any commercially reasonable estoppel certificate or subordination agreement requested by Landlord or any lender.

31. Waiver; Non-Waiver

No waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of any other or subsequent breach. The acceptance of Rent with knowledge of a breach shall not constitute a waiver of such breach. No waiver shall be effective unless in writing signed by the waiving party.

32. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

33. Entire Agreement

This Agreement, including all exhibits attached hereto, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, and agreements relating to the subject matter hereof. No modification of this Agreement shall be binding unless in writing and signed by both parties.

34. Governing Law and Venue

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland, without regard to conflicts of law principles. Any legal action arising out of this Agreement shall be brought in the state or federal courts located in the county or city where the Premises is located, or as otherwise required by Maryland law.

35. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Pre-1978 Units)

If the Premises was built before 1978, federal law (Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act) and Maryland law require Landlord to disclose known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards, provide available records and reports, and provide the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home."

Year Built of Premises: [[Year Built or "Unknown, assume pre-1978 for disclosure"]]

Landlord has actual knowledge of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing: [[Yes (describe) / No / Unknown]]

Landlord has provided Tenant with all available records and reports pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards: [[Yes (list) / No / None available]]

Tenant acknowledges receipt of the required pamphlet and disclosure form (Exhibit C).

36. Required Maryland Disclosures and Addenda

Tenant acknowledges receipt of the following required or applicable disclosures and addenda (check all that apply and attach as exhibits):

• [[ ]] Move-In/Move-Out Inventory and Condition Checklist (Exhibit A)

• [[ ]] Rules and Regulations (Exhibit B)

• [[ ]] Lead-Based Paint Disclosure and Pamphlet (Exhibit C), for pre-1978 units

• [[ ]] Other required local or state disclosures: [[List any additional MD-specific disclosures]]

37. Attorney's Fees

In any action or proceeding arising out of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs from the other party, to the extent permitted by Maryland law.

38. Counterparts and Electronic Signatures

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Electronic signatures and PDF or electronic transmission of signed copies shall be deemed valid and binding.

39. Binding Effect

This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties, their heirs, successors, and permitted assigns.

40. Time of Essence

Time is of the essence with respect to all obligations of the parties under this Agreement., -

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

LANDLORD:

_____________________________________________

[[Landlord Full Name]]

Date: [[Date Signed]]

TENANT(S):

_____________________________________________

[[Tenant Full Name(s)]]

Date: [[Date Signed]]

_____________________________________________

[[Tenant Full Name(s), Additional if Joint]]

Date: [[Date Signed]], -

EXHIBIT A, MOVE-IN INVENTORY AND CONDITION CHECKLIST

(To be completed at move-in and move-out. Attach photos if desired.)

Property Address: [[Property Address]]

Move-In Date: [[Lease Start Date]]

Condition of Premises at Move-In (mark or describe):

• Living Room: [[Condition / Notes]]

• Kitchen: [[Condition / Notes]]

• Bathrooms: [[Condition / Notes]]

• Bedrooms: [[Condition / Notes]]

• Floors / Walls / Ceilings: [[Condition / Notes]]

• Appliances: [[List and Condition]]

• HVAC: [[Condition]]

• Smoke/CO Detectors: [[Present and Working?]]

• Keys Provided: [[List of keys, remotes, codes provided]]

Tenant Initials: _____ Landlord Initials: _____

Move-Out Inspection Date: [[Date]]

Condition at Move-Out (compare to move-in):

(Attach detailed notes or photos. Deductions will be based on differences beyond ordinary wear and tear.)

Tenant Initials: _____ Landlord Initials: _____, -

EXHIBIT B, RULES AND REGULATIONS

[[Insert or reference community / property-specific rules, quiet hours, trash procedures, parking rules, guest policies, etc. If none, state "Landlord has not promulgated additional written Rules at this time. Reasonable rules may be added on written notice."]], -

EXHIBIT C, LEAD-BASED PAINT DISCLOSURE (if applicable)

(Attach completed federal and Maryland lead disclosure forms and pamphlet acknowledgment. Required for housing built before 1978.), -

Template, not professional legal advice. This is a sample residential lease agreement template for Maryland. Verify all provisions, statutory references, and required disclosures against current Maryland Code Annotated, Real Property Article (particularly §§ 8-101 et seq. and § 8-203) and any applicable local ordinances before use. Laws and required forms change; consult a licensed Maryland attorney or the appropriate state agency for your specific situation. Figures and procedures are current as of the date of this template preparation.

Sources: Maryland Code Annotated, Real Property §§ 8-101 et seq., § 8-203, § 8-211 (as of 2026); federal lead paint disclosure requirements (42 U.S.C. § 4852d); standard Maryland residential tenancy practices.