General information, not legal advice. This template is a starting point. Laws differ by state and city, so have a licensed attorney review your final document before you use it.
Last reviewed
The short version
- A free Maryland edition of our rental application template, as a PDF to print and a Word file to edit.
- Application fees over $25 must be refunded within 15 days, except the part actually spent on a credit check or similar costs; landlords with four or fewer units at one location are exempt. Dollar figure checked on the official code on October 29, 2026.
- Have a Maryland attorney review your final version before you use it.
A rental application for each adult applicant covering identity, rental and job history, income, household, references and a signed consent to screening. This edition fills in the Maryland rules we could confirm and marks the rest as blanks to check.
Maryland rules for this form
Application fees. Application fees over $25 must be refunded within 15 days, except the part actually spent on a credit check or similar costs; landlords with four or fewer units at one location are exempt. Dollar figure checked on the official code on October 29, 2026. (Md. Code, Real Property 8-213)
Cities and counties in Maryland can add their own rules on top of these. Check local ordinances before you sign.
What is in the template
- Property applied for
- Applicant
- Rental history
- Employment and income
- Household
- References and emergency contact
- Questions
- Screening criteria
- Authorization and consent
- For office use
Before you use it
- Every adult who will live in the home should complete their own application and sign the screening consent.
- Ask only what you need to apply written criteria, and never ask about traits that fair housing law protects.
- Many states and cities cap application fees, limit criminal history questions, or protect income from vouchers.
- If a consumer report affects your decision, federal law requires an adverse action notice.
For the full explanation of this form, read our guide to the rental application.
Get the Maryland rental application
Free, no sign up. Fill it in by hand or edit the Word file.
General template, not legal advice. Have a Maryland attorney review before use.
Verify current law
We last checked these Maryland rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Maryland attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- Md. Code, Real Property 8-213
Official sources
Goes with this form
Filling it in, and what to watch for.
What does Maryland law say about application fees?
Application fees over $25 must be refunded within 15 days, except the part actually spent on a credit check or similar costs; landlords with four or fewer units at one location are exempt. Dollar figure checked on the official code on October 29, 2026. Source: Md. Code, Real Property 8-213.