Renewals:
Many leases automatically renew unless notice is given
If a tenant does not want to renew lease automatically
Give written notice for non-renewal before the deadline
Send by certified mail for proof
Automatic renewal provisions in a lease must include space for separate tenant acknowledgment
Know if lease terms will change when continuing to rent
For automatic renewals, landlords must notify you of changes with sufficient notice
For non-automatic renewals, carefully read the new lease before signing; it's a new contract that may have different terms from your prior lease
Breaking a Lease:
Tenants remain responsible for rent through the end of lease term
Landlord must make reasonable effort to re-rent the unit
You're only responsible for rent until a new tenant moves in
You may be charged for advertising costs
Special Circumstances:
Some leases allow early termination with notice and/or fee
Military personnel with permanent change of station orders can end lease with proper notice
Persons with medical conditions preventing them from occupying the unit can end lease early with proper notice
Repairs and Rent Escrow
Under Maryland law, if a landlord
fails to repair serious or dangerous defects in a rental unit, you have
the right to pay your rent into an escrow account established at the
local District Court.
Maryland law is very specific about the conditions under which rent
may be placed in escrow. You must give the landlord proper notice and
adequate time to make the repairs before you have the right to place
rent in escrow. The escrow account can only be set up by the Court.