Maryland Rental Lease Agreement Forms and Templates
Maryland rental agreements allow for a tenant to legally occupy property from an owner or management company while paying an amount usually on a monthly basis. A standard contract is one year for residential and three to five years for commercial properties. A credit check along with an verification of their references or prior landlords may be necessary to qualify for tenancy. If either lessor or lessee have any questions or disputes they should review the laws and their full rights in the Maryland Landlord-Tenant Handbook.
- Rental Application – The landlord may ask to review the potential tenant’s credit and background information by having he or she fill out and sign the form. The landlord may request up to $25 as a non-refundable fee and if it is more than that the tenant may request a written itemization.
- Standard 1 Year Residential – This is the most common real estate contract in the State. Allows a standard twelve (12) month term between a landlord and tenant over the occupation of a residence for monthly rent typically paid on the first (1st). A landlord will usually request to view the tenant’s credentials through the application before authorizing to lessen their chances of a possible eviction in the future.
- Sublease – Also known as “subletting”, is the arrangement where a landlord allows a tenant to lease the entire or portion of the property being rented to someone else (“sublessee”). This length of this agreement may not go longer than the original or “master” lease. The tenant bears all the financial and legal responsibility when it comes to; payment by the sublessee, damage to the premises, and vacating at the end of the term.
- Commercial – For any industrial, office, or retail property for property to be used for business related activity by an entity or individual. Depending on the property, the landlord may have to fit the property to the tenant’s preference, therefore there is more investment than a residential lease by the property owner so a lease guaranty is recommended. Unless the tenant is a larger corporation but this judgment call will be at the sole discretion of the landlord.
Common Landlord-Tenant Laws
- Security Deposit
- Limit – Two (2) months’ rent is the most that may be required by a landlord
- Return Policy – Within forty-five (45) days from the date of move out
- Access – No statute meaning there is no notice required by law that the landlord must provide before entering the tenant’s rental property
Related Forms
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