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Maryland Late Fee Laws

Last reviewed: July 10, 2026

Maximum late fee
5% of monthly rent
Grace period
None required
Statute
Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(3)

Maryland caps residential late fees at 5% of the monthly rent under Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(3). A lease can agree to less, but a fee above the statutory limit is generally unenforceable no matter what the lease says.

Maryland's statute doesn't impose a waiting period, so the lease controls when a late fee may be charged. Charging from day one is legal here only if the lease says so explicitly.

Maryland bars any lease provision with a late penalty above 5% of the rent due for the period. Weekly tenancies have their own cap: at most $3 per week and $12 total per month. A lease clause above these limits is unenforceable as written.

Calculate a late fee with Maryland's limits preloaded

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Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum late fee in Maryland?
State law limits the fee to 5% of the monthly rent (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(3)). Charging above that is generally unenforceable.
Is there a required grace period in Maryland?
No. Maryland's statute doesn't mandate a grace period, so the lease determines when a fee kicks in.
Where is this in Maryland law?
The controlling provision is Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-208(d)(3). Legislatures amend these rules, so always confirm the current text via the official source linked above.

This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — confirm current requirements for your jurisdiction before acting.

Late fee laws in other states