A fair Maryland lease, clause by clause

This Residential Lease Agreement is entered into between [Landlord Name] ("Landlord") and [Tenant Name(s)] ("Tenant") for the property located at [Property Address], Maryland.

The lease term begins on [Start Date] and ends on [End Date]. This Lease does not renew automatically; at the end of the term it converts to a month-to-month tenancy only if both parties agree, or otherwise ends.

Base rent is $[Monthly Rent] per month, due on the [Due Day] of each month. Rent may be paid by [Accepted Payment Methods]. A receipt will be provided on request.

Rent will not increase during the fixed term of this Lease. For any month-to-month renewal, Landlord will give Tenant at least 60 days' written notice before any rent increase takes effect. Tenant is free to decline a proposed increase by ending the tenancy with proper notice.

Tenant will pay a refundable security deposit of $[Deposit Amount]. The deposit secures against unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear — not ordinary aging or use. After move-out, Landlord will return the deposit, less any itemized lawful deductions, within 45 days.

Rent is late if not received within a [Grace Period] grace period. A reasonable one-time late fee of $[Late Fee] may then apply. Late fees will not compound daily and will not exceed what local law allows.

Landlord will keep the property safe and livable — including working heat, plumbing, hot water, electrical, and a structure free of serious hazards — and will make needed repairs in a reasonable time. This duty (the implied warranty of habitability) cannot be waived.

Except in a genuine emergency, Landlord will give at least 24 hours' notice before entering, and will enter only at reasonable times and for a lawful purpose.

Tenant is entitled to quiet enjoyment of the home. Landlord will not harass Tenant, shut off utilities, or interfere with Tenant's lawful use of the property.

If either party breaches this Lease, the other will provide written notice and a reasonable chance to cure where the law allows. Landlord may only remove Tenant through the formal legal eviction process — never by changing the locks, removing belongings, or "self-help."

Each party is responsible for harm caused by its own negligence. Tenant is not required to release Landlord from liability for Landlord's own negligence or to indemnify Landlord for it.

If more than one Tenant signs, responsibility for rent and damage is shared as the parties agree in writing. Any joint-and-several liability is disclosed here in plain language: [Describe how rent/damage is split].

Tenant may sublet or assign with Landlord's written consent, which Landlord will not unreasonably withhold.

Either party may end the tenancy with the notice required by law (typically [Notice Period]). If Tenant stays past the term without a new agreement, rent continues at the normal rate on a month-to-month basis — not at a punitive multiple.