Effective July 1, 2025, Maryland residential landlords must comply with new requirements under the Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights. The law mandates that landlords provide tenants with the most recent version of this document with every residential lease. Because the Bill of Rights is updated annually by June 1, landlords must ensure they are using the latest version with all leases signed after September 1 of each year.

Key Requirements for Landlords

• Attach the Bill of Rights to every lease – All residential leases must include the current version of the Tenants’ Bill of Rights.

• Update annually – Landlords must use the newest version published by the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs beginning each September.

• Prohibited lease provisions – Clauses such as waiver of tenant rights, “confession of judgment” provisions, or shortened statutory notice periods are not enforceable.

• Right of First Refusal – In certain cases, tenants must be given the opportunity to purchase a rental property before it is sold to a third party.

Why Compliance Matters

Failure to follow these requirements may complicate evictions, delay lease enforcement, or expose landlords to unnecessary disputes. Staying current not only protects landlords legally but also provides clarity and consistency for tenants.

How Kelly & Quinn Can Help

At Kelly & Quinn, LLC, we work with Maryland landlords to:

• Draft and update compliant residential leases

• Review existing lease agreements for prohibited provisions

• Advise on tenant rights issues, including the Right of First Refusal

• Provide guidance on eviction and enforcement matters

Contact us today to ensure your leases are compliant and your rental operations remain protected.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult legal counsel to discuss how these developments may affect your specific situation.