Introduction: Small Mistakes Become Big Costs

Many landlords in Maryland lose money not because their properties are subpar, but due to avoidable mistakes. Whether it's slow maintenance responses, compliance issues, or mismanaged communication, small errors accumulate quickly.

This guide breaks down the top 10 mistakes Maryland landlords make and exactly how to avoid them.

1. Skipping Proper Tenant Screening

When landlords are eager to fill a vacancy, they sometimes rush the screening process. This leads to missed red flags, late rent, evictions, or property damage.

How to avoid it:
Always screen consistently: credit, criminal, rental history, income verification, and landlord references.

2. Not Documenting Property Condition

If you don’t document the home before a tenant moves in, you may end up paying for damages the tenant actually caused.

How to avoid it:
Create a move-in checklist and take 50–100 photos or videos before turning over the keys.

3. Misunderstanding Maryland Security Deposit Laws

Maryland has strict security deposit rules. Mistakes lead to lawsuits, penalties, or the inability to make deductions.

How to avoid it:
Know the legal deposit limits, required receipts, storage requirements, and return timelines.

4. Ignoring Maintenance Requests

Slow responses lead to angry tenants, negative reviews, and much bigger repair bills later.

How to avoid it:
Respond within 24–48 hours and schedule seasonal inspections to prevent major issues.

5. Not Complying With Baltimore’s Rental Laws

Baltimore has specific requirements: lead certification, rental licensing, inspections, and annual renewals. Missing any of these puts landlords at risk.

How to avoid it:
Stay current on compliance deadlines and update your rental license annually.

6. Poor Communication With Tenants

Misunderstandings often escalate into disputes or unnecessary frustration.

How to avoid it:
Have clear rules, document instructions, and communicate important updates in writing.

7. Incorrect Rent Pricing

Overpricing leads to long vacancies. Underpricing leaves money on the table.

How to avoid it:
Check local comparable rentals, use tools like Zillow or Rentometer, and adjust seasonally.

8. Disorganized Financial Records

Many landlords lose tax deductions or miss expenses because of poor bookkeeping.

How to avoid it:
Use a property management system or spreadsheets to track all payments, repairs, and expenses.

9. Sending Incorrect Legal Notices

DIY legal notices often contain wrong timelines or incomplete information, which delays the eviction process or invalidates it entirely.

How to avoid it:
Use Maryland-compliant templates or consult a professional before serving notices.

10. Self-Managing Without Systems

Trying to manage everything alone, without processes, leads to burnout, inconsistencies, and avoidable mistakes.

How to avoid it:
Use checklists, automation, or hire a professional property management company to streamline operations.

Final Thoughts

Managing rentals in Maryland becomes much easier when you avoid these common mistakes. Better systems mean fewer surprises, and more profit.

If you want help managing your rental, staying compliant, or finding quality tenants, Living Legacy Property Management can help.

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