Keep renting, or hire help
If the property still pays and your main problem is the work, a property manager may fix that without selling. Keeping it can be the better long-term choice.
Selling a rental with tenants in Maryland? Know the notice and deposit rules first.
How much notice Maryland requires to end a tenancy, what happens to the security deposit when you sell, and Baltimore City's registration rule.
No obligation. No pressure. Takes about 2 minutes.
How it works in Maryland
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1
Ending a tenancy takes notice
Under Maryland's general rule, a landlord who wants the home back must give written notice 60 days before the tenancy ends for a written lease longer than a week or a month-to-month tenancy, and 90 days for a year-to-year tenancy. Your lease or local law may add requirements.
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2
The deposit goes with the house
When you sell, hand the tenant's security deposit to the buyer with an accounting of the amount, the date it was paid and the tenant's name and address. If you don't, you stay liable for it, and the new owner is also liable to the tenant for returning it with interest.
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If the tenant moves out first
When a tenancy ends, the landlord has 45 days to return the deposit with interest, less any damages rightfully withheld, and to mail an itemized list of any damages. Withholding it without a reasonable basis can cost up to three times the amount plus attorney's fees.
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Baltimore City: register after a transfer
In Baltimore City, every non-owner-occupied property must be registered each year and within 10 days of any transfer, and a rental must also be licensed after a passing inspection by a state-licensed inspector. A buyer who keeps renting will need to handle both.
Source: Baltimore City DHCD, Property Registration and Rental Licensing
Your real options
Sell for cash, tenants and all
A cash sale can close in as little as 7 days with the tenants in place, so there are no showings to arrange and no repairs to make first. No fees or commissions, and no obligation.
Wait for the lease to end, then list
An empty, fixed-up house usually shows better and can bring more on the open market, if you can carry it through the notice period and repairs. We'll show you the cash offer next to what listing could net.
See both numbers
Example: a $250,000 home
| Offer | $205,000 |
|---|---|
| Repairs | $0 |
| Commissions | $0 |
| Closing costs | $0 |
| You walk away with | $205,000 |
| In 7 to 14 days | |
| Sale price | $250,000 |
|---|---|
| Repairs | about $8,000 |
| Commissions | about $13,800 |
| Closing and holding | about $6,000 |
| You walk away with | about $222,200 |
| In 60 to 90 days | |
Example only. Your numbers depend on your home and market.
This page explains Maryland's general landlord-tenant rules. It isn't legal advice. Counties and cities, including Baltimore City and Montgomery County, have their own rules, so check your lease and talk to an attorney about your case.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell my Maryland rental with tenants still living there?
Yes. The buyer takes over as landlord, and Maryland law makes the new owner liable to the tenant for the security deposit. Transfer the deposit and an accounting of it to the buyer at the sale.
How much notice do I have to give a tenant to move out in Maryland?
Under the general state rule, written notice 60 days before the tenancy ends for a month-to-month tenancy or a written lease longer than a week, and 90 days for a year-to-year tenancy. Check your lease and local rules too.
What do I do with the security deposit when I sell?
Give it to the buyer with an accounting showing the amount, the date it was paid and the tenant's name and address. If you don't, Maryland law keeps you liable to the tenant for it.
Who are you?
We are real estate investors based in Baltimore, helping homeowners since 2016. We buy houses directly for cash. We are not a licensed real estate brokerage and do not list homes ourselves; if listing could get you more, we show you the math so you can choose.