Not legal advice. This is a free reference compiled from official government sources. Laws change and local details matter. Confirm every deadline with the official source or a licensed attorney before you rely on it.
Last verified: · Confidence: high
When can a landlord charge a late fee for rent in Maryland, and how much?
Short answer
Late fees: a lease may not set a late penalty above 5% of the rent due for that period
A residential lease may not provide for a penalty for late payment of rent of more than 5% of the rent due for the rental period that was late. The statute does not set a grace period.
"Provides for a penalty for the late payment of rent in excess of 5% of the amount of unpaid rent due for the rental period for which the payment was delinquent; or" mgaleg.maryland.gov
Late fees: a lease may not set a late penalty above 5% of the rent due for that period Verified
Deadline: Ongoing requirement with no fixed date
A residential lease may not provide for a penalty for late payment of rent of more than 5% of the rent due for the rental period that was late. The statute does not set a grace period.
"Provides for a penalty for the late payment of rent in excess of 5% of the amount of unpaid rent due for the rental period for which the payment was delinquent; or" mgaleg.maryland.gov
Notes: Md. Code, Real Property 8-208(d)(3)(i).
Last verified 2026-10-24 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction