Key answer: The cap is 5% of the rent due for the rental period. Maryland law does not mandate a grace period — the lease determines when a fee can be charged, subject to the cap.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee cap | 5% of the rent due for the rental period |
| Grace period | None mandated by state law |
| Must be in lease? | Required — no clause, no fee |
| Source | Md. Code Real Prop. §8-208 |
With monthly rent $1500, the maximum late fee is $75.
What is the maximum late fee a landlord can charge in Maryland?
The cap is 5% of the rent due for the rental period.
When can a Maryland landlord charge a late fee?
Maryland law does not mandate a grace period — the lease determines when a fee can be charged, subject to the cap.
Does the late fee have to be in the lease in Maryland?
Yes. The fee must be in the written lease or rental agreement — no clause, no fee.
Can a Maryland landlord charge a daily late fee?
Only if the lease allows it and the total charge stays within the legal cap — a daily fee cannot be used to get around the limit.
What happens if a Maryland landlord charges an illegal late fee?
A fee above the legal limit can be challenged; courts may void the fee or the entire clause as unconscionable.
Maryland has no statewide cap, but landlords must give 90 days notice for leases longer than one month (60 days for 1-week to 1-month leases).
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Not legal advice. Verify against your lease and local rules.
Calculate your Maryland late fee