

Why Tenant Screening is Essential in Maryland
Maryland’s diverse rental market spans urban hubs like Baltimore to more suburban and rural areas. This diversity creates unique challenges for landlords. Effective tenant screening ensures you minimize risks, avoid late payments, and protect your property while adhering to Maryland’s tenant-friendly laws.
Landlords in Maryland rely on our services to simplify tenant selection. Whether managing a single property or a large portfolio, our tenant screening solutions provide the insights you need to find reliable tenants while complying with local regulations.
Maryland Tenant Screening Services
- Credit Reports: Instant access to tenant credit reports, including credit scores, payment histories, and debt obligations. Evaluate applicants’ financial stability with confidence.
- Criminal Background Checks: Comprehensive searches of Maryland and multi-state databases to uncover felonies, misdemeanors, and sex offender records (where available).
- Eviction Records: Access eviction history to identify applicants with prior rental issues. Search Maryland court records for judgments and eviction filings.
Maryland Landlord-Tenant Laws
- Security Deposits: Maryland landlords can charge up to two months’ rent as a security deposit. Deposits must be returned within 45 days of lease termination, along with an itemized list of deductions, if applicable.
- Eviction Notices: For non-payment of rent, landlords must provide a 10-day written notice before filing an eviction case.
- Late Fees: Late fees are capped at 5% of the monthly rent and must be clearly stated in the lease agreement.
- Abandoned Property: Maryland requires landlords to store abandoned property for seven days and provide written notice before disposal.
- Lead Disclosure: Landlords must comply with Maryland’s strict lead paint disclosure requirements for properties built before 1978.
Resources for Maryland Landlords
- Maryland Judicial Branch – Access eviction forms and legal resources.
- Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development – Resources for landlords, including rental assistance programs.
- National Association of Residential Property Managers – Tools and best practices for managing properties in Maryland.
- Maryland REALTORS® Association – Legal updates and resources for property owners.
- Maryland Legal Aid – Free legal assistance for landlord-tenant issues.
FAQs for Maryland Landlords
- Do I need tenant consent to perform a background check? Yes, Maryland law requires written consent from tenants before conducting any screening.
- What fees can I charge tenants during the application process? Application fees must be reasonable and reflect the actual costs incurred.
- How quickly are reports available? Most reports are delivered instantly, with some criminal records taking up to 3-5 business days.
- What should I do if a tenant refuses consent for a background check? Without written consent, landlords cannot legally perform background checks in Maryland.
- How can I verify an applicant’s rental history in Maryland? Our service provides access to eviction records and verified rental histories.
Get Started Today
Take the guesswork out of tenant screening and start screening tenants in Maryland with confidence!