Anne Arundel County eviction notice rules now require landlords to warn tenants at least 14 days before a scheduled eviction. The change took effect on July 1, 2026, according to the Baltimore Chronicle.
The previous minimum was six days under Maryland law. Anne Arundel joins Howard and Montgomery counties in adopting the longer notification period. The measure gives tenants additional time to move, seek assistance, or address unpaid rent.
New Anne Arundel County Eviction Rules
Bill No. 101-25 changes both the notification process and the handling of personal property. The legislation was introduced by County Council members Julie Hummer and Lisa Rodvien.
The revised procedure includes several requirements:
- Landlords must provide written notice at least 14 days before eviction.
- The eviction date must be scheduled by the sheriff’s office.
- Landlords must change the property locks while the sheriff is present.
- Personal belongings generally remain inside instead of being placed outside.
- Tenants have 24 hours after the lock change to recover their possessions.
After that period, landlords may remove or dispose of property without another notice. Court forms reflecting the new requirements became mandatory on July 1.
What Changes for Tenants and Landlords
| Issue | Previous procedure | New county procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Advance notice | At least 6 days | At least 14 days |
| Tenant belongings | Could be placed outside | Remain inside the dwelling |
| Property access | No guaranteed period | 24 hours after lock change |
| Eviction authority | Sheriff executes the order | Sheriff still executes the order |
The ordinance does not allow landlords to remove tenants independently. They must first obtain a court judgment and warrant of restitution.
The sheriff remains responsible for executing the warrant. The longer notice period does not cancel the landlord’s legal right to regain possession.
Concerns Over the 24-Hour Retrieval Period
Maryland attorney Tom Maronick described the end of curbside evictions as a more humane process. Belongings will no longer be exposed to theft, weather, or public view.
However, he questioned whether 24 hours gives tenants enough time to recover everything. Housing advocates have raised similar due-process concerns about property considered abandoned after an eviction.
The new system therefore provides more warning before eviction. Yet it leaves only a limited period for recovering possessions afterward.
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