By Angel Campa, Founder · Updated March 2026
Maryland is notable for having one of the few dedicated state-level Commercial Landlord-Tenant Acts in the nation. The Maryland Commercial Landlord-Tenant Act, codified at Md. Code, Real Property Article, Sections 14-2001 through 14-2012, provides a comprehensive statutory framework governing commercial lease relationships that goes well beyond the common law baseline found in most states. This framework imposes specific obligations on both landlords and tenants, including mandatory notice requirements, prohibited lease provisions, and defined remedies.
Maryland maintains a separate well-developed framework for commercial evictions through Real Property Article Sections 8-401 through 8-402. The state prohibits commercial self-help evictions. Baltimore City has historically had additional local commercial real estate overlays. Maryland's court system provides a relatively tenant-favorable forum compared to other Mid-Atlantic states, with judges scrutinizing harsh landlord remedies with heightened care.
Maryland's dedicated Commercial Landlord-Tenant Act governing commercial lease requirements, prohibited provisions, and defined landlord and tenant remedies beyond what common law provides.
View statute →Establishes procedures and remedies for evicting commercial tenants who hold over after lease expiration or breach material lease obligations.
View statute →Governs the historical distress remedy for unpaid rent in Maryland, subject to significant procedural constraints for commercial landlords.
View statute →| Type | Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nonpayment of Rent | 10 days | Under the Maryland Commercial Landlord-Tenant Act, a landlord must provide at least 10 days' written notice before commencing a Failure to Pay Rent action in District Court. |
| Month-to-Month Termination | 30 days | To terminate a month-to-month commercial tenancy in Maryland, at least 30 days' written notice is required under common law and Real Property Article provisions. |
| Fixed-Term Lease Termination | As specified in lease | For fixed-term commercial leases, the termination notice period is governed by the lease agreement. Maryland courts enforce written lease notice requirements strictly. |
Maryland's Commercial Act provides a statutory foundation; full scope governed by lease terms.
The Maryland Commercial Landlord-Tenant Act (Real Property Article Sections 14-2001 through 14-2012) imposes certain transparency obligations on commercial landlords regarding expense reconciliation, providing a stronger statutory baseline than pure common law states. However, the full scope of audit rights — including look-back period, auditor qualifications, and cost allocation — remains a matter of lease negotiation. Maryland commercial tenants have more statutory support when challenging landlord expense statements than tenants in states that rely solely on common law contract principles.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about commercial landlord-tenant law in Maryland. It is not legal advice. Laws change frequently and local ordinances may impose additional requirements. Consult a licensed attorney in Maryland for guidance specific to your situation.
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