An official website of the State of Maryland.

Maryland.gov Translate

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

Renter & Landlord Resources

​​​​The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has programs to assist renters in Maryland find, maintain and keep affordable and livable housing in communities throughout the state. We provide an online apartment locator highlighting affordable units and access to programs for monthly rental subsidies​​.

Safe, stable, and affordable housing is a basic need. When housing costs take up more than 30% of a household’s income, it can be harder to afford other essentials like food, transportation, or medical care. This page includes links to resources and organizations that help renters find housing, navigate rent challenges, and connect with supportive programs.

  • Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs: ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs helps Maryland tenants and landlords understand and navigate their rights and responsibilities under federal and state renter laws.
  • Tenants Bill of Rights: The Tenants’ Bill of Rights summarizes key renter rights and protections established by federal and state laws. Under state law, landlords must attach a copy of the current Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights to every lease.
  • Right of First Refusal: ​​​Under state law, landlords who plan to sell a property with 3 or fewer residential rental units must provide the current tenant(s) the first opportunity to make an offer to purchase the property.

Renter Landlord Resources & Security Deposit Calculator

Find Affordable Housing

Rental Assistance and Support

For individuals experiencing financial hardship, the following organizations offer programs and support services that may provide assistance or connect you to additional resources.

  • Maryland Renters' Tax Credit: Direct check payment up to $1,000 per year for qualified renters.​​​​
  • MD Department of Human Services Financial Assistance Programs: The Maryland Department of Human Services provides programs that offer assistance such as homeless prevention crisis grants, Temporary Cash Assistance and energy assistance.​​​​
  • Housing Choice Voucher Program: The federal program provides rental subsidies in the form of vouchers to eligible families or individuals to use toward housing payments. For information on how to apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority.​​​​
    • To check the status of your name on a waitlist for a Housing Choice Voucher, go to MRI Waitlist Check.​​​
  • Rental Security Deposit Calculator: The Department provides a customized calculator that determines the interest due on a security deposit by allowing a user to enter a start date (the date on which​ the security deposit was given to the landlord), a tenancy end date, the county in which the residence is located, and the amount of the security deposit.

For Veterans​​​​

For Individuals with Disabilities

  • Maryland Department of Disabilities: The Maryland Department of Disabilities offers information and resources on rental assistance, homeownership programs, utility support, home modifications, and housing rights for people with disabilities.
  • Maryland Centers for Independent Living: Centers for Independent Living offer support for accessible and affordable housing, home modifications, and services that help individuals with disabilities live independently in their communities.
  • The Arc: The Arc supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy, resources, and programs that promote inclusion and independent living in the community.
  • Community Pathways Waiver: The Maryland Department of Health’s Community Pathways Waiver provides support services that help individuals with developmental disabilities live more independently at home and in the community, through both self-directed and agency-based models.
  • MD Department of Human Services Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP): The Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) provides short-term financial support to low-income Marylanders with disabilities who have no dependent children.

For Elderly Individuals

  • MD Department of Aging Programs and Services: The Maryland Department of Aging offers a variety of programs and services to support older adults, including health, wellness, and community-based resources.
  • MD Department of Aging Senior Care Services: Maryland’s Senior Care Services program provides assistance with long-term care options, including home and community-based services to help seniors live independently.

Facing an Eviction or Homelessness

  • Maryland 2-1-1: Immediate assistance is available by calling Maryland 2-1-1 (toll free from any phone). Call specialists are trained to assist people faced with housing needs, utility shutoffs, family crisis, financial, legal, employment and other issues. Either dial 211 or visit: 211md.org.​
  • Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault: The Coalition offers local support services to survivors of rape or sexual assault.
  • Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence: The Network offers individuals experiencing domestic violence or survivors of trafficking local support services.
  • Access to Counsel in Evictions Program​: The Maryland Legal Services Corporation administers the Access to Counsel in Evictions program. The program provides free lawyers to renters living in Maryland that have a household income that is at or below 50% of Maryland’s median income. Access to Counsel representatives will help you determine if you qualify.
  • Maryland Court Help​: Provides resources for tenants and landlords navigating an eviction.

Legal Assistance