Maryland Eviction Notice Templates

A Maryland eviction notice is the first step a landlord takes when seeking possession of a rental unit. It informs the tenant of the lease violation and the landlord’s intent. The notice must be properly served before court action can begin.

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Last updated January 26th, 2026

A Maryland eviction notice is the first step a landlord takes when seeking possession of a rental unit. It informs the tenant of the lease violation and the landlord’s intent. The notice must be properly served before court action can begin.

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Pay or Quit – This notice lets a tenant know rent is overdue. It gives a final opportunity to pay before eviction action is taken.

Cure or Quit – Used when a tenant breaks a lease rule that can be fixed. The notice explains the violation and what must be done to avoid eviction.

Termination of Month-to-Month Tenancy (30-Day Notice) – Notifies the tenant that the rental will end at the close of the notice period. It is commonly used when a landlord chooses not to renew.

Notice to Quit for Illegal Activity – Issued for serious unlawful conduct. These notices usually move the case quickly toward eviction.

Eviction Laws

  • Rent Grace Period: None. Rent is due on the date stated in the lease.[1]
  • Non-Payment of Rent: 10 days.[1]
  • Non-Compliance: 30 days.[2]
  • Imminent Danger: 14 days.[3]
  • Termination (Month-to-Month Lease): 60 days.[4]
  • Eviction Lawsuit Type: Landlord’s Remedies.[5]

Important note: For non-payment of rent, Maryland law does not require a landlord to serve a notice to quit before filing in court.

 

Prohibited Landlord Actions in Maryland

Utility Shutoff – A landlord may not attempt to remove or pressure a tenant to leave by shutting off utilities. This is considered an illegal eviction tactic.[6]

Changing the Locks – A landlord may not take possession of a rental unit, or threaten to do so, by locking the tenant out without a court order.[6]

 

How to Evict a Tenant in Maryland (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Determine Whether Notice Is Required

Before filing, confirm whether notice is legally required for your situation:

  • Non-Payment of Rent: No notice required.
  • Imminent Danger: 14-Day Notice to Quit.
  • Non-Compliance: 30-Day Notice to Quit.
  • Month-to-Month Termination: 60-Day Notice to Quit.

Step 2: Obtain the Correct Court Forms

The landlord must visit the District Court where the property is located to obtain the appropriate complaint forms. While samples exist online, Maryland courts require official court-issued paperwork.

Step 3: Pay the Filing Fee

When submitting the complaint, the landlord must pay the required filing fee. The amount varies depending on the type of eviction and court location.

Step 4: Serve the Complaint and Summons

The sheriff must serve the Complaint and Summons on the tenant. The documents will include the date and time of the court hearing.

Step 5: Court Hearing and Notice to Vacate

If the tenant fails to appear or the court rules in favor of the landlord, the judge will issue a judgment. The tenant is then given four days to vacate the property.

Step 6: File Petition for Warrant of Restitution

If the tenant does not leave within the allotted time, the landlord must file a Petition for Warrant of Restitution. Once issued, the warrant authorizes the sheriff to physically remove the tenant from the property.

 

Court Forms & Resources

Official forms must be obtained directly from the District Court. Online versions are samples only.

Sources

  1. § 8-401(c)(1)
  2. § 8-402.1(a)(1)(i)(2)(A)
  3. § 8-402.1(a)(1)(i)(2)(B)
  4. § 8-402(c)(4)(ii)(2)
  5. Md. Code, Title 8, Subtitle 4
  6. § 8-216(b)(1)