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Maryland Residential Lease Agreement

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RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
MARYLAND
without autorenew

This Residential Lease Agreement (“Lease”) is a contract which sets forth your rights and obligations as a resident of the community and our rights and obligations as the manager of the community.

Manager

Name:

Address:

Attn:

City: ST: Zip:

Telephone:

Resident Names

Name:

Name:

Name:

Name:

Name:

Name:

We agree to rent to you, and you agree to rent from us the apartment known as:

Community Name:

Apartment Address:

City: State: Zip:

Lease Terms:

From:

To:

(unless earlier terminated pursuant to this Lease)

Lease Type:

Monthly Rent:

Rent:

Net Rent
(Monthly Rent Due)

Deposits (Refundable)

Other Charges (Non-refundable)

Agreed and Understood:

Resident Initial: Date:

Resident Initial: Date:

Resident Initial: Date:

Resident Initial: Date:

Part A of this Lease sets forth our obligations as Manager:

1. Utilities and Amenities. We will provide and pay for the following in the Apartment:

Heat Hot water Electricity Sewer Cable Gas Water

You agree to pay per month to us on the first day of each November, December, January, February, March and April (“Energy Surcharge”).

2. Return of Security Deposit. Your security deposit will be returned to you after your Lease has ended and if you have met the following conditions:

a. You have vacated your Apartment;

b. You have paid the rent and other charges due under the Lease;

c. You have given us proper notice of your leaving;

d. You have removed your personal property and have left the Apartment in good and clean order, except for ordinary wear and tear.

3. Entering the Apartment. We may enter your Apartment in order to make repairs or inspect or to show the Apartment to possible or actual purchasers, mortgage lenders, possible future residents, appraisers, workmen or contractors.

4. Repairs. We will promptly respond to your maintenance requests and will correct any routine maintenance items within twenty-four (24) hours or on the next business day.

5. Insurance. We will insure the Community in accordance with reasonable commercial practices.

Part B of this Lease sets forth your obligations as Resident:

1. Rent. You agree to pay us rent in the amount set forth above (on page 2). Rent must be paid in monthly installments on the day of each month.

Late Fees: If you fail to pay the rent in full before the end of the day of the month, you will pay us, as additional rent, a late fee of .

Returned Checks: You will pay us, as additional rent, a fee of for all returned checks.

2. Security Deposit. You have deposited with us the amount set forth above (on page 2) as a security deposit.

3. Use. You will use the Apartment only for dwelling purposes. The following persons in addition to the Residents will occupy the Apartment:

4. Assignment and Sublet. You will not assign this Lease or sublet the Apartment without our written consent.

5. Utilities. You are responsible for paying for all utilities except those checked in Part A, Section 1.

6. Maintenance, Repairs and Alterations. You will keep the Apartment and equipment and appliances in clean, orderly and safe condition.

7. Compliance with Laws. You will comply with all laws and regulations concerning the Apartment and the Community.

8. Compliance with Rules and Regulations. You agree to comply with the Community Rules and Regulations.

9. Peaceful Enjoyment. You will conduct yourself and require your family, guests and anyone you invite into the Community to act in a manner that will not disturb your neighbors’ peaceful enjoyment.

10. Responsibility for Injury or Damage; Insurance. If someone is injured or the Apartment or any part of the Community is damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty resulting from any act by you, you are responsible for the costs.

11. Pets. Pets are not allowed without written approval.

Part C of this Lease sets forth other provisions and other obligations of yours and ours.

1. Damage to Apartment or Community. If the Apartment is damaged by fire, storm or other casualty that it is uninhabitable, then this Lease shall end as of the date of the casualty.

2. Condemnation. If any part of the Community is condemned by a governmental authority, we have the right upon thirty (30) days’ notice to you to terminate this Lease.

3. Notice to Vacate at End of Lease Term. You must give us at least sixty (60) days written notice of your intention to vacate the Apartment at the end of the term.

4. End of Lease Term. You shall vacate the Apartment at the end of the term of the Lease.

5. Failure to Vacate at End of Lease Term. In the event you do not vacate the Apartment at the end of the term, we may use legal process to remove you.

6. Default. You will be in default under this Lease if you fail to pay rent, assign or sublet without consent, violate lease terms, or engage in illegal, improper or objectionable conduct.

7. Legal Expenses. If permitted by law, you will reimburse us for all of our court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees.

8. Notice. If you wish to give us notice, you must do so in writing and by personal delivery or certified or registered mail.

9. Limited Liability. We are not liable for any loss, expense or damage unless caused by our negligence.

10. Miscellaneous.

a) All statements on your application and in this Lease are true and correct.

b) If more than one of you signs this Lease, each of you agrees to be jointly and severally liable.

c) Our failure to enforce any provision shall not prevent us from enforcing it later.

d) This Lease may be changed only by a written agreement signed by both parties.

e) This Lease is binding on you and us and our respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and personal representatives.

f) If any provision is unenforceable, the rest of the Lease will be unaffected.

g) This Lease is subject and subordinate to all ground leases and mortgages.

h) We are the property manager and agent for the Owner.

11. Attachments. The schedules, addenda or agreements marked with an “X” are attached hereto and are made part of this Lease:

State Law Provisions

Community Rules and Regulations

Recreational Facilities Waiver

Consent to Use Photo/Video for Advertising

Resident Consent for Release of Personal Property and Deposits

Satellite Antenna and Dish Agreement

Resident Selected Utility Plan

You (Resident)

Signature: Date:

Signature: Date:

Signature: Date:

Signature: Date:

Signature: Date:

Signature: Date:

Us Home Properties, L.P.
(Manager, as Agent for Owner)

Signature: Date:

STATE LAW PROVISIONS
MARYLAND

1. Late Rent Charges
Under Maryland law, we may not charge a late fee in excess of five percent (5%) of the rent due for the period in which rent was paid late.

2. Smoke Detectors
This residential dwelling unit contains alternating current (AC) electric service.

3. Interest
We will pay interest on your security deposit in accordance with applicable law.

4. Security Deposit Receipt Provisions

A. Inspection of Apartment on Moving In.

B. Inspection of Apartment on Moving Out.

C. Timing of Return of Security Deposit.

D. Failure to Comply.

5. Apartment Security System. You agree and understand that if the Apartment contains a security alarm system, we do not have any responsibility to respond to alarm signals.

6. Ordinary Wear and Tear Defined.

7. Laundry Equipment.

COMMUNITY RULES AND REGULATIONS

We may rescind or change any of these rules or adopt new rules and after thirty (30) days notice of any new rules to residents, such new rules shall have the same force and effect as if originally made part of this Lease.

Use of Apartments and Common Areas

1. Common areas, sidewalks, entrances, lobbies, hallways, elevators or stairways of the Community will not be used for any purpose other than entry and exit.

2. All equipment located in the Apartment or in the Community will be used in a reasonable and careful manner.

3. Satellite dishes one meter or less in size are permitted upon your signing a Lease Addendum – Satellite Antenna and Dishes.

4. Holes will not be drilled in the Apartment without our prior written consent.

5. Nothing will be fastened to the floors, doors, windows, walls, appliances or fixtures in the Apartment or the exterior walls or porches of the buildings.

6. The balcony or terrace of the Apartment will not be altered, nor will the balcony or terrace be used for storage of personal property.

7. No towels, rags, rugs, laundry or other items will be hung from any balcony or terrace.

8. Nothing will be brought into the Apartment or Community which increases the risk of fire or liability.

9. LED candles should be used whenever possible instead of wax candles.

10. Cooking or barbecuing is not allowed on a porch, patio or balcony or within 15 feet of any building.

11. No sign, advertisement or notice visible to the outside will be placed on the outside or inside of any apartment or building in the Community.

12. Locks on the doors leading to the Apartment may not be added or changed without our consent.

13. Items which weigh more than we determine is reasonable for the floor loading of the Apartment are not permitted.

Actions of Residents

1. Pets are not allowed in the Apartment without our prior written consent.

2. All residents will conduct themselves and require their family, guests and anyone they invite into the Community to conduct themselves in a manner that will not disturb their neighbors’ peaceful enjoyment or Community staff or constitute a nuisance.

3. You are responsible for the conduct of your family, friends, guests and anyone whom you invite into the Community.

4. We will make reasonable efforts as the law permits us to stop neighbors from disturbing your peace.

5. Trash will be disposed of in designated places and not in halls, stairways, balconies or laundry rooms.

6. You are required to promptly report any repair/maintenance problems in the Apartment to Community Management.

Motor Vehicles

1. The parking and traffic regulations posted on any private streets, roads or drives must be obeyed.

2. Parking areas will be used only to park motor vehicles and for loading or unloading of motor vehicles.

3. All ordinances regarding fire lanes will be obeyed.

4. Oversized vehicles, commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles, boats or trailers or other oversized vehicles may not be parked in the Community without our consent.

5. We may remove any vehicle at the owner’s expense if it reasonably appears to us that the vehicle is abandoned, inoperable, or expired.

6. Repairs to vehicles are prohibited on the Community, except emergency repairs.

7. Vehicles may be washed only in designated areas.

Recreational Facilities

1. If the Community has a pool, you may use the pool but you must pay any required fees.

2. Games, sports and other recreational activities are permitted only in designated areas.

3. We may at any time discontinue any recreational services or close down facilities either temporarily or permanently.

I/WE UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE RULES AND REGULATIONS.

Date:

Date:

Date:

Date:

Date:

Date:

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WAIVER

I agree to use the Recreational Facilities at my own risk and waive claims against the Community and Management.

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

CONSENT TO USE PHOTO/VIDEO FOR ADVERTISING

I hereby consent to the use by Home Properties, L.P. of any photographs and/or video in which I appear for advertising purposes.

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

RESIDENT CONSENT FOR RELEASE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY AND DEPOSITS/REFUNDS

Apartment #:

Name: Relationship:

Address: Phone #:

City, State, Zip: Work Phone #:

Name: Relationship:

Address: Phone #:

City, State, Zip: Work Phone #:

The release shall be binding upon my heirs, assigns, personal representative, beneficiaries or agents.

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

SATELLITE ANTENNA AND DISH AGREEMENT

Apartment No.:

1. The dish may not exceed one meter in diameter.

2. The dish or antenna may only be placed on a balcony, railing or patio totally within the premises being leased.

3. The antenna or dish may not extend beyond the balcony railing line or patio edge.

4. No holes may be made in any wall, roof, railing or glass for installation or hookup.

5. We reserve the right to prohibit installation if the antenna or dish poses a safety concern.

6. You hereby agree to indemnify us for any and all claims resulting from installation, removal, maintenance and/or use of a satellite antenna and/or dish.

7. We recommend that you obtain the services of a professional installer.

8. You agree that upon removal of the antenna or dish, the building will be restored to its original state at your expense.

9. Your failure to abide by the provisions of this Lease Addendum shall be deemed a material default of the Lease.

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

RESIDENT SELECTED UTILITY PLAN
Actual Monthly Charges Option

Lease Terms

Community Name

Unit Number

Lease Term

Number of Bedrooms

By signing below I agree to pay the actual charges for my utilities not directly billed to me by a local Utility Company as outlined and agreed to in my lease.

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Signature/Date:

Enter text✕

What a Maryland Residential Lease Agreement Is

The Maryland Residential Lease Agreement is a written contract that sets the terms and conditions between a Maryland landlord and tenant for rental of residential property. It establishes rent amount, payment schedule, security deposit handling, lease term, maintenance responsibilities, utilities allocation, permitted occupants, and rules for entry and termination. The agreement can be customized for fixed-term or month-to-month tenancies and should align with Maryland landlord-tenant statutes. Properly completed, it clarifies obligations, reduces disputes, and provides enforceable rights for both parties under state and federal law.

Why a Clear Lease Matters

A clear Maryland Residential Lease Agreement protects landlord and tenant expectations, documents legal remedies, and reduces eviction or deposit disputes. It records important dates, payment terms, and obligations needed for enforcement in Maryland courts while maintaining compliance with ESIGN and UETA for valid electronic execution.

Why a Clear Lease Matters

Who Typically Uses This Lease

Landlords, property managers, and tenants use a Maryland Residential Lease Agreement to record rent, rules, and dispute processes clearly.

  • Independent landlords: single-property owners who need a standard legally sound lease.
  • Property managers: manage multiple units, require templates, renewals, and bulk e-sign workflows.
  • Tenants: review rights, payment schedule, maintenance duties, and security deposit terms.

Attorneys and housing agencies also review leases to ensure statutory compliance and to advise on security deposit, habitability, and termination rules.

Core Clauses to Include

Essential clauses in a Maryland Residential Lease Agreement define rental terms, deposits, repairs, entry rights, termination, and dispute resolution to align expectations and enable enforcement.

Rent

Specify monthly rent, due date, accepted payment methods, late fees, grace periods, and returned-check penalties; include fee caps required by Maryland law where applicable to avoid unenforceable provisions.

Security Deposit

State the deposit amount, legal holding practices, allowable interests, itemized deductions, deadlines for return, and any Maryland-specific notice or escrow requirements affecting tenant refunds.

Maintenance

Allocate repair responsibilities, emergency procedures, tenant notice for nonemergency repairs, and process for landlord access to perform maintenance while complying with Maryland habitability standards and remedies.

Term

Define lease length, renewal or holdover terms, move-in and move-out dates, prorations, notice periods for nonrenewal, and conditions for early termination or subletting, including penalties.

Entry

Specify landlord's right to enter for inspections, repairs, and showings, required notice windows, permitted hours, and permissible emergency entry consistent with Maryland statutes and tenant remedies.

Dispute Resolution

Include governing law, small claims jurisdiction, late fee dispute process, repair withholding rules if applicable, and whether mediation or arbitration is required before litigation, plus attorney fees clause.

Step-by-Step: Completing a Lease

This step-by-step guide helps complete a Maryland Residential Lease Agreement accurately for enforceability and tenant clarity.

  • 01
    Prepare details: Gather names, property address, rent, deposit, and term.
  • 02
    Draft clauses: Include maintenance, entry, utilities, guests, late fees.
  • 03
    Review law: Confirm Maryland-specific statutes and disclosure requirements.
  • 04
    Sign and deliver: Obtain signatures, dates, and deliver copies to all parties.

Configure an Online Signing Workflow

Configure an online signing workflow to reflect signers, authentication, field types, and post-sign routing for records retention.

Field Configuration
Signers Tenant then landlord; add guarantor if applicable.
Auth Email link with optional SMS code verification.
Fields Signature, initials, dates, rent amount, checkbox for rules.
Routing Send final PDF to all parties and archival folder.

Typical e-sign Process for a Lease

Typical e-sign workflow for a Maryland lease combines document setup, signer verification, signing, and secure storage with a complete audit trail.

  • Upload: Upload lease and attach exhibits.
  • Place fields: Add signature, date, and initial fields.
  • Authenticate: Use email, SMS code, or stronger methods.
  • Archive: Save signed copies and audit trail securely.

Platform Capabilities to Look For

To e-sign and share Maryland leases, choose a platform that supports PDF, Word, and secure storage with audit logs.

  • File formats: PDF and DOCX supported.
  • Integrations: Works with Google Workspace and MS 365.
  • Security: TLS in transit; AES-256 at rest.

Required Information and Short Reference

Names: Full legal names of landlord and tenant.
Property Address: Street, city, state, ZIP code.
Lease Term: Start and end dates in MM/DD/YYYY format.
Rent Details: Amount, due date, payment method.
Security Deposit: Amount, holding method, return timeline.
Signatures: All parties sign and date the agreement.

Common Penalties and Risks

Unenforceable Terms: Overbroad penalties are void.
Security Deposit Errors: Statutory procedures not followed.
Improper Entry: Illegal landlord entry risks claims.
Wrong Notice: Incorrect termination notice invalidates action.
Failure to Disclose: Known defects must be disclosed.
Privacy Breach: Improper tenant data handling risks HIPAA issues.

Frequent Preparation Mistakes

  • Using ambiguous language for rent increases or expenses can produce disputes and make enforcement in court more difficult, increasing time and legal expenses.
  • Failing to document repairs, notices, or tenant communications weakens legal positions and can lead to unfavorable outcomes in deposit or eviction disputes.
  • Using outdated statutory references or failing to update lease templates after Maryland law changes creates compliance gaps and potential penalties.
  • Relying on unsigned or improperly executed electronic records without clear evidence of consent and intent risks unenforceability under ESIGN or state law.

Key Deadlines and Timeframes

Key deadlines in lease administration include move-in date, rent due dates, notice periods, security deposit return, and early termination timelines.

Rent Due Date:

Specify monthly due day and grace period.

Notice to Vacate:

Use lease-defined notice; Maryland often requires 30-day notice.

Security Deposit Return:

Return deadlines per Maryland statute; itemize deductions.

Repair Requests:

Tenant must provide notice; landlord has reasonable cure period.

Early Termination:

Follow termination clause and state-mandated notice rules.

Real-World Examples

Real-world examples illustrate how standardized lease templates and e-sign workflows reduce turnaround time and enforceability issues in Maryland rental management.

Martin Properties

Martin Properties replaced paper leases with a standardized Maryland Residential Lease Agreement and digital signing to manage multiple rental units remotely.

  • Turnaround dropped; significantly compliance improved.
  • The firm reports processing and executing lease documents online with consistent compliance and built-in security. Mobile and offline signing allowed staff to return signed leases faster, improving occupancy turnover and recordkeeping while maintaining enforceable documentation.

Optica Ventures

A small landlord used digital templates and e-signing to reduce manual errors and speed tenant onboarding across multiple properties.

  • Processing time shortened substantially per lease.
  • The operator highlighted ease of use for both staff and tenants, noting fewer incomplete forms and quicker access to executed leases for filing and accounting, enabling clearer record trails in the event of disputes.

Comparing eSignature Pricing and Core Features

Compare baseline eSignature vendor pricing and core features relevant to executing Maryland Residential Lease Agreements and high-volume rental workflows.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about completing, signing, and enforcing a Maryland Residential Lease Agreement, including e-sign considerations and evidence of consent.


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