Overview
The City of Salisbury is committed to ensuring tenants understand their rights under Maryland law and local ordinances. This page provides essential information, downloadable resources, and links to legal assistance.
Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights (Effective July 1, 2025)
Maryland law requires landlords to attach the latest version of the Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights to every residential lease. This document summarizes key tenant protections, including:
- Rental Applications: Limits on application fees and screening reports.
- Leases & Tenancies: Written lease requirements, prohibited clauses, and notice periods.
- Rent & Security Deposits: Maximum deposit amounts, return timelines, and receipts.
- Condition of Rental Units: Habitability standards and tenant remedies.
- Evictions & Constructive Evictions: Legal process and tenant rights.
- Tenant Right of First Refusal: Opportunity to purchase property before sale.
- Prohibited Acts by Landlords: Anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation protections.
Download:
Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights (PDF)
City of Salisbury Requirement: Tenants’ Rights Lease Addendum
Under City of Salisbury Ordinance 2166, every new or renewed residential lease—whether written or verbal—must include the Tenants’ Rights Lease Addendum. This addendum must be:
- Signed by each tenant listed on the lease and the landlord (or landlord’s agent).
- Incorporated into the lease at the time of signing.
- Made available for inspection upon request by the City’s housing officials.
The addendum provides tenants with important resource information and notice about local and state laws, helping protect health, safety, and general welfare.
City of Salisbury Tenants’ Rights Lease Addendum (Revised 12/28/2023)
The revised addendum includes:
- Landlord Retaliation Prohibited: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising legal rights.
- Links to Maryland Code and legal resources.
- Tenant acknowledgment of HVAC system details and occupancy limits.
- Signature and initials section for tenants and landlord.
Download:
English – REVISED – Tenants’ Rights Lease Addendum – 12-28-2023
Spanish – REVISED – Tenants_ Rights Lease Addendum with watermark – 12-28-2023_ES
Haitian – REVISED – Tenants_ Rights Lease Addendum with watermark – 12-28-2023_HT
City of Salisbury Ordinance 2166
Under Ordinance 2166, every new or renewed lease—whether written or verbal—must include the Tenants’ Rights Lease Addendum, signed by both the landlord and all tenants of majority age. This addendum:
- Provides resource information and notice about local and state laws.
- Assists the City in enforcing occupancy laws for health and safety.
- Must be available for inspection by housing officials upon request.
Download:
Legal Resources
- Maryland Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division
https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/CPD/landlords.aspx - Legal Aid Bureau – Lower Eastern Shore
111 High Street, Salisbury, MD 21801
Phone: (410) 546-5511 | Toll-Free: (800) 444-4099 - Maryland Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs
Tenant-Landlord Affairs Website
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific concerns, consult the laws of Maryland or seek professional legal advice.