How to evict a tenant in Maryland doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you follow the correct legal process. As a Maryland landlord and licensed attorney with over 12 years of drafting eviction notices and representing property owners in district court, I’ve handled hundreds of these cases. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through every required step under current Maryland law, explain the warrant of restitution in Maryland, and give you a free, attorney-drafted eviction notice template you can download and customize today.
Important Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change frequently, and your specific situation may have unique facts. Always consult a licensed Maryland attorney or legal aid organization before proceeding with an eviction.
Before learning how to evict someone in Maryland, you must have valid legal grounds. Maryland is not a “no-cause” termination state for most tenancies. The most common reasons landlords file evictions are:
According to the Maryland Attorney General’s Office and the District Court, over 120,000 failure-to-pay-rent cases were filed in FY 2024 alone, making it by far the most frequent type.
The notice period depends on the reason for eviction:
| Eviction Type | Required Notice | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Nonpayment of rent | 10 days (effective July 1, 2024) | Real Property § 8-401 |
| Breach of lease (health/safety) | 14 days to cure or quit | Real Property § 8-402.1 |
| Breach of lease (non-health/safety) | 30 days to cure or quit | Real Property § 8-402.1 |
| Month-to-month tenancy termination | 60 days (most jurisdictions) | Local ordinances + Real Property § 8-402 |
| Holdover after fixed-term lease | No notice required in many cases | Real Property § 8-402 |
Pro tip from my practice: Always use certified mail + first-class mail and post on the door for nonpayment cases. This satisfies the “double mailing” requirement most judges expect.
After the notice period expires without resolution, file in the county where the property is located. Common forms (available at mdcourts.gov):
Filing fees range from $50–$165 depending on the amount of back rent claimed (see current fee schedule on the Maryland Judiciary website).
In my experience, 80%+ of failure-to-pay-rent cases end with either:
If the judge rules in your favor, you receive a judgment for possession. However, the tenant still has four calendar days to appeal or file a motion (Real Property § 8-401).
A warrant of restitution ordered in Maryland is the court order that authorizes the sheriff to physically remove the tenant and restore possession to the landlord. Key timeline:
Source: Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-401(f) and Maryland District Court procedures.
Realistic 2025 timeline (nonpayment of rent):
Total average: 45–90 days from first missed rent to lockout.
Click below to download my most commonly used template bundle (Word + PDF):
Download Free Maryland Eviction Notice Templates (10-Day, 14-Day, 30-Day & 60-Day)
Included in the ZIP:
I personally update these every legislative session to comply with the latest Maryland laws.
In my decade-plus of practice, I’ve seen these errors kill cases:
You must follow both Maryland law and the federal HAP contract. Good-cause requirement almost always applies.
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) may stay the case 90+ days.
Baltimore City requires rent escrow registration and licensing before you can file most evictions (see Baltimore City Code and rentescrow.baltimorecity.gov).
Knowing how to evict a tenant in Maryland correctly saves thousands in lost rent and legal fees. Use the proper notice, file on time, and never attempt a “self-help” eviction (changing locks, removing belongings, etc.) – it’s illegal and can cost you triple damages plus attorney fees (Real Property § 7-113).
Download the free templates above, keep excellent records, and consider consulting a local landlord-tenant attorney before your first filing.
Have questions about your specific situation? Feel free to leave a comment below (I read them all), or contact a Maryland attorney immediately if time is critical.
Sources: Maryland Code Real Property Article §§ 8-401, 8-402, 8-402.1; Maryland District Court forms and fee schedules (mdcourts.gov); IRS Publication 527 (referenced for security deposit treatment in some eviction judgments).