Maryland does not impose a statewide rent‑cap law, so landlords can generally raise rent by any amount unless a local county or city ordinance limits increases.
In 2026, the real constraints on rent hikes come from local rent‑stabilization programs in places like Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Baltimore City, plus strong notice and tenant‑rights rules across the state.
No Statewide Rent Cap
Maryland’s Real Property Code does not cap the percentage by which a landlord can increase rent on a month‑to‑month or expiring lease. That means in many areas—such as Anne Arundel County or rural jurisdictions—landlords may raise rent significantly as long as they follow proper notice procedures and do not violate anti‑discrimination or good‑faith requirements.
Local Rent Stabilization Caps
Several major Maryland jurisdictions have their own rent‑control or rent‑stabilization rules in 2026:
- Montgomery County: For regulated units (typically buildings 23+ years old), the maximum allowable rent increase from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, is 5.7%, calculated as the Washington‑Arlington‑Alexandria CPI‑U (2.7%) plus 3%, capped at 6%. After July 1, 2026, that cap drops to 5.2% (CPI‑U 2.2% plus 3%).
- Prince George’s County: Rent‑stabilized units are generally limited to an annual increase of the lesser of CPI‑U plus 3% or 6%, with some income‑based alternatives such as 7% for lower‑income tenants.
- Baltimore City: The city’s own rent‑control ordinance caps increases (commonly around 2.4% for 2025–2026) for eligible multifamily rentals and condos, with shorter notice windows and specific exemptions.
Not all properties are covered (for example, new construction, single‑family homes, or units under certain size thresholds), so tenants should check their county’s rent‑stabilization website to see if their building is regulated.
Notice Requirements
Even where there is no cap on the percentage, Maryland law and local ordinances require landlords to notify tenants in writing before a rent increase.
Many counties and cities require 90 days’ written notice for rent hikes in regulated units, while Baltimore City and others may require 60 days for increases above a certain threshold. The notice must usually state the new rent amount, the effective date, and any applicable cap percentages.
Broader Tenant Protections in 2026
In addition to rent‑stabilization rules, Maryland has strengthened tenant protections, including a statewide Tenants’ Bill of Rights attached to every residential lease dated after July 1, 2025.
This document clarifies rights to a habitable unit, limits on excessive fees, and procedures for rent increases, late‑payment penalties, and eviction, and it directs tenants to enforcement agencies and legal‑aid resources. Landlords who violate rent‑stabilization, notice, or transparency rules can face complaints to county housing authorities, refund orders, or defenses raised by tenants in eviction or rent‑dispute cases.
For Maryland tenants in 2026, the key takeaway is that rent increases are mainly controlled by local caps and notice rules, not a statewide cap. If a rent‑hike notice exceeds local limits, arrives too late, or lacks required details, tenants should contact their county housing department or a tenant‑assistance program to confirm whether the increase is lawful and what options they have.
SOURCES :
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-maryland
- https://www.leaserunner.com/laws/maryland-rent-control-laws
