Howard County Enacts New 14-Day Eviction Notice Requirement for Residential Landlords

Under Maryland law, landlords are generally required to provide residential tenants at least six days’ notice before a sheriff executes a warrant of restitution (eviction). Maryland law also allows local jurisdictions to increase that notice period to as many as fourteen days.

Howard County Bill No. 12-2026, titled Landlord-Tenant Relations – Eviction Notice Requirement, creates new notice obligations that apply after a court issues a warrant of restitution in a residential eviction case in Howard County. The legislation expands the required notice period from six (6) days to fourteen (14) days within Howard County and imposes additional documentation and delivery requirements on landlords. The bill was approved by the County Executive on March 10, 2026

The County stated that the purpose of the law is to give tenants additional time to seek housing assistance, connect with homelessness prevention resources, obtain legal counsel, and make alternative living arrangements before eviction.

Practically speaking, the new law adds several compliance requirements for landlords. In addition to providing at least 14 days’ notice, landlords must now:

• Send notice by first-class mail with certificate of mailing;
• Post the notice on the property and retain a date-stamped photograph; and
• Send notice by email or text message if tenant contact information is available.

The law imposes civil penalties for landlords who fail to comply with the new notice requirements. Howard County landlords and property managers should review and update their eviction procedures to ensure compliance before pursuing residential repossessions.

If you are a landlord, property manager, or housing provider with questions about eviction compliance, lease enforcement, or residential landlord-tenant litigation in Maryland, contact LOHM for guidance tailored to your business and properties.