Eviction notices in Maryland

Before filing a failure-to-pay-rent complaint, the landlord must give a written notice of intent to file, on the Maryland Judiciary's form (DC-CV-115), saying the landlord will file if the tenant does not cure within 10 days after the notice is provided (Real Prop. § 8-401(c)). The complaint must state the date the notice was given (§ 8-401(c)(3)).

Can the tenant pay to stop it? The tenant can avoid a filing by paying within 10 days. After a judgment, the tenant can still redeem by paying all amounts the court found due plus costs before the eviction is carried out (not available after 3 rent judgments in the prior 12 months).

Type:

Pay or move out

Notice period:

10 days

Law:

Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-401(c)

For a lease with a stated term that lets the landlord repossess for breach, the landlord must give 30 days' written notice that the tenant is in violation and the landlord wants to repossess (Real Prop. § 8-402.1(a)(1)).

Chance to fix it: No statutory right to cure; the court must find the breach substantial and warranting eviction.

Type:

Notice to vacate, no right to fix

Notice period:

30 days

Law:

Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402.1(a)(1)(i)(2)(A)

For dangerous behavior the lease-breach notice is 14 days instead of 30 (§ 8-402.1(a)(1)(i)(2)(B)).

When it applies: Behavior showing a clear and imminent danger of serious harm to the tenant, other tenants, the landlord, the landlord's property or representatives, or anyone else on the property.

Notice period:

14 days

Law:

Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402.1(a)(1)(i)(2)(B)

The day the notice is provided (mailed with a certificate of mailing, affixed to the door, or sent electronically) is not counted (§ 8-401(c)(2); Md. Code, Gen. Prov. § 1-302(a)). The 10 days are calendar days: weekends and holidays inside the period count because it is longer than 7 days (Gen. Prov. § 1-302(c)). If the 10th day is a Sunday or legal holiday, the period runs to the end of the next day that is not a Sunday or legal holiday (§ 1-302(b)). No extra days are added for mailing.

The 10-day notice is provided when it is sent by first-class mail with a certificate of mailing, affixed to the door of the premises, or, if the tenant elected it, sent by e-mail, text message or tenant portal with proof of transmission (§ 8-401(c)(2)).

The landlord files a complaint for repossession in the District Court; trial is set for the fifth day after filing and the summons is mailed and served by sheriff/constable (§ 8-401(b)). Paying the rent, late fees and costs at trial satisfies the complaint (§ 8-401(e)(5)). If the landlord wins, possession is due within 4 days; after 7 days the court can issue a warrant of restitution executed by a sheriff or constable, stayed in extreme weather (§ 8-401(e)-(f)). Landlords may not lock out tenants or cut utilities; possession may be taken only by a warrant executed by a sheriff or constable, or after abandonment/surrender (§ 8-216). Appeal to circuit court: within 4 days of a failure-to-pay-rent judgment (§ 8-401(i)) or within 10 days of a lease-breach judgment (§ 8-402.1(b)(2)). If the landlord does not order a warrant of restitution within 60 days of judgment (or the end of any stay), or takes no action on an ordered warrant within 60 days, the judgment for possession is stricken (§ 8-401(f)). At least 6 days before the sheriff's scheduled eviction date, the landlord must notify the tenant by first-class mail with certificate of mailing, by posting on the front door, and by email or text if known (§ 8-407(b)).

• The Judiciary form says 'This is not a notice of eviction' and the landlord must give a rental ledger on request (Form DC-CV-115).
• Federal, state or local government workers furloughed by a shutdown can get a stay (§ 8-401(d)).

• Maryland notice to end a month-to-month tenancy (no-cause notice by tenant or landlord)
• Maryland security deposit law: deadlines after move-out
• Federal 30-day notice for covered properties (CARES Act)

• Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-401 Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402.1 Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-216 Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Maryland Judiciary Form DC-CV-115 (Notice of Intent to File) Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• mgaleg.maryland.gov — official text Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-407 Retrieved October 13, 2026.

Laws change. This page was checked against the sources above on October 13, 2026. It is legal information, not legal advice; if you have an eviction case, contact your state's legal aid. See our methodology.