Legal and tenant help in Maryland
The short answer
Facing eviction in Maryland? You may qualify for a lawyer at no cost: call Maryland Legal Aid at 1 888 465 2468. In most cases, paying what the court says is due plus court costs before the eviction lets you stay.
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What the Maryland courts say
- Before filing for unpaid rent, the landlord must give you written notice (Form DC CV 115) with the amount due and 10 days to pay.
- Go to your trial. If you don't, the court may rule without you.
- You can usually avoid eviction by paying the amount the court found due, plus court costs, before the eviction happens (with an exception after several past judgments in 12 months).
- An eviction can't start until 7 business days after the judgment, and the landlord must give you at least 6 days' notice of the eviction date.
Official page: mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/housing
A lawyer at no cost
Maryland's Tenant Right to Counsel helps people with vouchers, subsidies or public housing, low income families in any housing including mobile homes, and adults 60 and older of any income. Call Maryland Legal Aid at 1 888 465 2468, or call 211. In some counties you can talk to a lawyer at the District Court before your hearing. Arrive 30 minutes early. Maryland Court Help Center: 410 260 1392, weekdays 8:30 AM to 8 PM.
Official pages: mdlab.org/access-to-counsel-in-evictions-program-ace, mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/housing
Know your rights
Maryland publishes a Tenants' Bill of Rights, effective October 1, 2026.
Official page: dhcd.maryland.gov/media/490
Fair housing
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights takes housing discrimination complaints. You can also file with HUD.
Official pages: mccr.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx, hud.gov/fairhousing
More help in Maryland
Sources last checked October 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or a spot in any program. Each place decides who it can serve. You choose what feels right for you.