Retaliation By A Landlord
Real Prop. § 8-208.1 — up to 3 months' rent when a landlord retaliates for a complaint
A Maryland landlord may not bring or threaten an action for possession, arbitrarily raise the rent or cut services, or end a periodic tenancy because the tenant made a good faith complaint to the landlord or to a public agency about a lease violation, a violation of law or a serious health or safety condition; filed or took part in a lawsuit involving the landlord; took part in a tenants' organization; or, by itself, because someone called the police or emergency services to the property.
Up to 3 months' rent. A tenant may raise retaliation as a defense to an action for possession or as a claim for damages. A court that finds for the tenant may award damages of up to the equivalent of 3 months' rent, reasonable attorney fees and court costs. A court that finds the tenant's claim was in bad faith or without substantial justification may award the same against the tenant.
- The protection depends on the tenant being current on rent when the landlord acts, unless rent was withheld under the lease or the rent escrow law.
- An action more than 6 months after the tenant's protected act is not treated as retaliatory.
- A termination that is not retaliatory is unaffected; either side keeps the right to end or not renew a tenancy.
Sources for this section (1)
- Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208.1 — Retaliatory actions by a landlord
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maryland attorney.