Maryland Room Rental Agreement
A Maryland room rental agreement is a legally binding document established between a primary tenant and a secondary tenant, allowing the secondary tenant to reside in a single room on the property. This agreement outlines the rules and regulations necessary for all tenants to navigate living together effectively.

Maryland Room Rental Agreement
The agreement includes essential components such as guidelines for rental payments, information regarding security deposits, and descriptions of the space each party can occupy. Although the secondary tenant is not included in the primary lease agreement, they are still afforded protection under this rental agreement. To ensure a suitable living arrangement, it is advisable for the primary tenant to have all potential roommates complete a rental application.
Guest vs. Tenant in Maryland
In Maryland, the distinction between a guest and a tenant is defined by specific provisions in Title 8 of the Code of Maryland. A guest becomes a tenant under the following conditions:
- A guest is considered a tenant when they pay a portion of rent.
- A guest may also be classified as a tenant if they provide services in exchange for living at the property.
This legal framework assists landlords in determining the status of individuals residing in the property.
Statutes
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-203(b)(1) – Security deposits
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-203(c) – Security deposits
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-203(e)(1)(2)(3) – Security deposits
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-203(e)(4) 8-203(g)(1)(2) – Deadline for Returning Security Deposit
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-203 – Security deposits
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-203.1(b) – Security deposit receipt
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-203.1 – Security deposit receipt
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-208(d)(3) – Written leases; supplementary rights afforded by local law or ordinance; prohibited provisions not enforceable; damages; severability
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-208(1) – Written leases; supplementary rights afforded by local law or ordinance; prohibited provisions not enforceable; damages; severability
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-208(d)(6) – Written leases; supplementary rights afforded by local law or ordinance; prohibited provisions not enforceable; damages; severability
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-208.1 (1-3) – Retaliatory actions
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-211 – Repair of dangerous defects; rent escrow
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-207 – Duty of aggrieved party to mitigate damages on breach of lease; secondary liability of tenant for rent
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-401 – Failure to pay rent
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-402(b)(3) – Holding over
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-402.1(a)(1) – Breach of lease
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-5A-02(a) – Termination of lease
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-5A-03 – Notice – Victim of sexual assault
- Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-5A-04 – Action for possession of property
FAQs
A Maryland room rental agreement is a legally binding document between a primary tenant and a secondary tenant, allowing the secondary tenant to reside in a specific room on the property. It outlines rules, rental payments, security deposits, and the space each party can occupy.
Even though the secondary tenant is not on the primary lease, the Maryland room rental agreement provides them with protection by clearly outlining the terms of their living arrangement, including payment responsibilities and shared space usage.
The primary tenant should have all potential roommates complete a rental application to assess their suitability for the living arrangement. This step helps ensure compatibility and reduces potential conflicts.
In Maryland, a guest becomes a tenant when they pay a portion of the rent or provide services in exchange for living at the property. This distinction is outlined in Title 8 of the Code of Maryland.
Key components of a Maryland room rental agreement include guidelines for rental payments, security deposits, and descriptions of the living spaces allocated to each tenant. These elements help clarify expectations and responsibilities.
Having a room rental agreement in Maryland is important because it establishes clear rules and protections for both the primary and secondary tenants, helping to prevent misunderstandings and disputes regarding living arrangements.