If you own rental property or manage rentals in Baltimore, knowing the new eviction laws is essential. In 2025, Maryland passed changes that affect how landlords handle evictions. These updates are designed to protect tenants, but they also impact landlords’ responsibilities and timelines.
Understanding them can save you money, reduce stress, and keep your rental business running smoothly.
Key Eviction Law Changes in 2025
1. Higher Eviction Filing Fees
- Filing an eviction in Baltimore City now costs $60.
- Most landlords cannot make tenants pay these fees.
- This makes evictions slightly more expensive upfront.
2. Longer Waiting Period After Court Judgment
- Once the court rules in your favor, there’s a 7-day wait before the eviction can be carried out (up from 4 days).
- This gives tenants a little extra time to move out and gives you time to plan the eviction.
3. Must Give Tenants Rights Information
- All leases now need a copy of the Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights.
- Update your leases and make sure tenants get this document.
4. Security Deposit Rules
- Security deposits are usually limited to one month’s rent.
- This affects your move-in cash flow and damage coverage planning.
5. 14-Day Eviction Notice in Baltimore City
- Landlords must now give tenants 14 days’ written notice before eviction for nonpayment or lease violations.
- The notice must include information about the tenant’s rights and legal resources.
6. Timing for Tenant Belongings
- The old law gave tenants 10 days to collect belongings after eviction.
- The 2025 changes removed this, but Baltimore City may require up to 14 days’ notice before the eviction happens.
- Planning for tenant property is important to avoid disputes.
7. Access to Legal Help
- More tenants may have legal representation through Maryland’s Access to Counsel in Evictions (ACE) program.
- This could make eviction cases longer or more complex.
8. Weather Restrictions
- Evictions cannot be carried out during extreme weather (like blizzards or freezing temperatures).
- Make sure your eviction scheduling accounts for these weather rules.
9. Landlord Entry Rules
- Landlords must give 24 hours’ notice before entering a rental (except emergencies).
- Entry can only be between 7 AM and 7 PM, Monday to Saturday.
What These Changes Mean for Landlords and Property Managers
- Higher Costs – Evictions may take longer and cost more.
- Plan Ahead – Keep enough funds in reserve and update your lease agreements.
- Train Your Team – Make sure property managers and staff know the new rules.
- Prevent Problems Early – Good tenant screening and communication can reduce evictions.
- Stay Compliant – Following notice periods, entry rules, and deposit rules is essential to avoid fines or legal issues.
Quick Action Steps for Landlords
- Update all leases with the Tenants’ Bill of Rights and correct notice language.
- Review security deposits and late fee policies.
- Train your staff on eviction timelines and entry rules.
- Keep emergency plans for weather delays.
- Maintain good tenant communication to prevent disputes.
- Build relationships with legal counsel for eviction support.
Conclusion
The new 2025 eviction laws in Baltimore give tenants more protections, which means landlords need to be careful and follow the rules. Keeping up with all the notice requirements, timing rules, and court steps can be tricky.
Baltimore Rent Court Agents can handle the whole process for you — from sending notices to working with the courts and making sure everything follows Baltimore City laws. With experts on your side, you can avoid mistakes, save time, and keep your rental business running smoothly while following all the new 2025 rules.