As a real estate attorney who has drafted and reviewed thousands of residential leases across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC for over a decade, I know how critical it is to start with a rock-solid, jurisdiction-specific lease. If you're a landlord or tenant in Montgomery County, Maryland, using a generic online form can expose you to expensive mistakes. That's why I've created a completely free, fully updated 2025 Montgomery County Maryland lease agreement template that complies with Maryland state law, Montgomery County local regulations, and best practices from my daily work with clients.
Click here to download your free Montgomery County Maryland Lease Agreement template (PDF + Word)
Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Maryland attorney for your specific situation.
Montgomery County is one of the most tenant-friendly jurisdictions in the entire United States. Local laws go far beyond Maryland state requirements, and using a standard Maryland lease (or worse — a template from another state) can leave landlords non-compliant and tenants unprotected.
Key Montgomery County regulations that must be addressed in every lease:
Many landlords in the DC metro area are familiar with the GCAAR lease agreement (Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors) forms used heavily in Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and parts of Maryland. While the GCAAR regional residential lease is excellent for DC properties, it does NOT fully comply with Montgomery County's unique requirements.
| Feature | GCAAR Regional Lease | Our Montgomery County Template |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County 60-day rent increase notice | Not included | Fully compliant language |
| Voluntary Rent Guideline reference | No | Yes |
| Montgomery County DHCA emergency contacts | No | Required language included |
| Right of First Refusal language | Optional addendum | Built-in compliant section |
After reviewing hundreds of leases that led to disputes in Montgomery County District Court, I've built this template with every provision I've seen save (or cost) clients thousands of dollars:
Download Free Montgomery County Maryland Lease Agreement Template Now
Maryland law is strict, and Montgomery County enforces aggressively:
Under Montgomery County Code Chapter 29, landlords must provide:
The following must be attached to every Montgomery County lease:
In my practice, I've seen these errors repeatedly:
Can I use the GCAAR lease in Montgomery County?
While many agents do, the standard GCAAR form lacks several Montgomery County-specific requirements. I recommend using a county-specific template.
Is there rent control in Montgomery County?
Not traditional rent control, but the county has "Voluntary Rent Guidelines" and strict notice requirements that function similarly.
Do I need to register my rental property?
Yes — all Montgomery County rental properties must have a current rental license from the Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Can I charge an application fee?
Yes, but it's limited to the actual cost of the background check (usually $35-50) and must be refunded if no report is run.
I've helped hundreds of Montgomery County landlords and tenants create fair, compliant leases that protect both parties. This template reflects the exact provisions I use with my paying clients — now available completely free.
Download Your Free 2025 Montgomery County Maryland Lease Agreement Template
Sources: IRS.gov (for security deposit interest calculations), Maryland Real Property Code § 8-101 et seq., Montgomery County Code Chapter 29, Maryland DHCA guidelines.
This Montgomery County Maryland lease agreement template is provided free for informational purposes. It is strongly recommended that you have any lease reviewed by a licensed Maryland attorney before use.