Small-LL Exempt
Regulatory Status
≤2 units (owner-occupied, local RC only)
Exemption Threshold
None statewide
Just-Cause Law
Local (Montgomery, PG County)
Rent Control Law
$1,766/mo
Avg Median Gross Rent (ACS)
Exemption summary:
No statewide just-cause law. Montgomery County and Prince George's County rent stabilization ordinances exempt owner-occupied buildings with ≤2 units. For landlords outside those counties or with 1–2 units anywhere, standard notice (60-day month-to-month) applies without rent caps. — Md. Code RE §8-402
Who Qualifies as a "Mom-and-Pop" Landlord in Maryland?
The term "mom-and-pop landlord" typically refers to an individual or family that owns a small
number of residential rental units — often 1 to 4 — and frequently lives in or near the property.
In states with tenant-protection legislation, the legislature has carved out exemptions recognizing
that small landlords operate differently from large institutional property managers.
Because Maryland has active just-cause or rent-control
legislation, small landlords must understand whether they qualify for an exemption — and structure
their ownership accordingly to preserve that protection.
Owner-Occupancy Requirement in Maryland
Most small-landlord exemptions require the owner to live in the building as their primary
residence. This condition is strictly enforced. Key steps to maintain the exemption:
- Maintain the unit as your primary domicile. Driver's license, voter registration, and tax returns should all reflect the rental address.
- Own the property in your personal name — an LLC or trust typically disqualifies you in states where ownership by a "natural person" is required.
- Keep unit count at or below the threshold. Adding units or converting a garage to an ADU could push you over the limit and trigger the full regulatory regime.
- Document your residency. If a tenant ever challenges the exemption, dated utility bills, lease receipts, and government mail at the address are your evidence.
LLC Ownership Warning
Important: In many states with owner-occupancy exemptions (including
Maryland), the exemption requires ownership by a
natural person, not an LLC or corporation. If you own the property through a business
entity, you may be subject to just-cause and/or rent control even if you personally live there.
Consult a real estate attorney before choosing your ownership structure. See Md. Code RE §8-402.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do small landlords in Maryland need just-cause to evict?
Small landlords in Maryland may qualify for an exemption: No statewide just-cause law. Montgomery County and Prince George's County rent stabilization ordinances exempt owner-occupied buildings with ≤2 units. For landlords outside those counties or with 1–2 units anywhere, standard notice (60-day month-to-month) applies without rent caps. (Source: Md. Code RE §8-402)
Is there rent control in Maryland for small landlords?
The rent control status in Maryland is: Local (Montgomery, PG County). Exemptions based on unit count and owner-occupancy may apply — see Md. Code RE §8-402.
How many units qualify as a small landlord in Maryland?
In Maryland, landlords with ≤2 units (owner-occupied, local RC only) typically qualify for small-landlord exemptions under Md. Code RE §8-402.
Can I use an LLC and still get the small-landlord exemption in Maryland?
In most states with owner-occupancy exemptions, the exemption requires ownership by a natural person, not an LLC or corporation. Check Md. Code RE §8-402 for Maryland's specific ownership requirement.
Major Cities in Maryland
Related Guides for Maryland Landlords
Mom-and-Pop Rules in Other States
Data sourced from Md. Code RE §8-402.
Eviction notice data from Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-402.
Last updated April 29, 2026. For informational purposes only — not legal advice.
