RentSift

Maryland written mold notice starts a 15-day clock

Maryland law sets a response sequence after a landlord receives written notice of possible mold. The law has been in effect since July 1, 2025; it is current, but it is not a new August 2026 rule.

In effect since July 1, 2025Posted Sources checked August 24, 2026

01 · 15 days

The assessment is due within 15 days

After receiving written notice of possible mold from a tenant, occupant, or local housing agency, the landlord must perform a mold assessment within 15 days.

An assessment can be an inspection, investigation, survey, management plan, or sampling and analysis. The law does not require a lab test in every case.

Source · Md. Real Prop. § 8-220(b)(1)

02 · 45 days

If mold is found, the 45-day deadline has a condition

If the assessment finds mold, remediation must be completed within 45 days when that is feasible. If it is not feasible, the law allows a reasonable time.

Remediation includes treating mold or dampness and addressing the underlying cause.

Source · Md. Real Prop. § 8-220(b)(2)

03 · Updates

The landlord must keep occupants updated

During the assessment and remediation process, the landlord must communicate with the occupants and provide updates and relevant information.

The law requires communication but does not set one fixed update schedule for every case.

Source · Md. Real Prop. § 8-220(b)(3)

Send a short written notice and keep proof

  1. 01Name the exact location and the date you noticed the possible mold.
  2. 02Ask the landlord to confirm receipt and the assessment date.
  3. 03Keep the sent message, photos, and delivery confirmation together.

Who this covers

This rule covers mold reports in Maryland rental homes, including RentSift's supported Montgomery County and Prince George's County markets.

The clock starts after the landlord receives written notice. This guide does not say that a photo alone proves receipt, that every assessment requires lab testing, or that every repair must finish in exactly 45 days.

Primary sources

Optional: check the building's record

RentSift can show available complaints, violations, and inspection records for supported Maryland addresses. It cannot inspect your unit, test for mold, or confirm that legal notice was received.

Check an address

Rental research, not legal advice. This guide is general information about published rules, not advice for your situation. Laws change; the cited source is always the authority.

More renter guides