Leaving A Lease Because Of Abuse
Real Prop. § 8-5A-02 — written notice, 30 days to leave, and rent only until then
30 days. A Maryland tenant may end future liability under a residential lease when the tenant or a legal occupant is a victim of abuse. After the tenant gives the landlord the written notice the law requires, the tenant has 30 days to leave, and owes rent only from the notice until leaving, up to a maximum of 30 days.
A tenant who leaves sooner gives the landlord a signed, notarized notice by first class mail or by hand saying so. The landlord then inspects and gives the tenant a written statement confirming the tenant left, the rent owed for the period, and any balance owed or overpayment to refund. Without that notice, the tenant owes the full 30 days.
If the tenant has not left within 30 days, the landlord may, with written notice, treat the tenant as holding over or treat the notice as withdrawn and the lease in force. Ending the victim's liability does not end the liability of a tenant who is the respondent in the protective order or peace order.
Sources for this section (1)
- Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-5A-02 — Ending a lease as a victim of abuse
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maryland attorney.