Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 2 - Residential Leases
Section 8-212.3 - Deduction From Rent for Utility Payments by Tenant Owed by Landlord

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
        (2)    “Affected dwelling unit” has the meaning stated in § 7–309 of the Public Utilities Article.
        (3)    “Landlord” has the meaning stated in § 7–309 of the Public Utilities Article.
        (4)    “Tenant” has the meaning stated in § 7–309 of the Public Utilities Article.
        (5)    “Utility service” has the meaning stated in § 7–309 of the Public Utilities Article.
        (6)    “Utility service provider” has the meaning stated in § 7–309 of the Public Utilities Article.
    (b)    A tenant may deduct from rent due to a landlord the amount of payments made to a utility service provider for utility service if:
        (1)    An oral or written lease for an affected dwelling unit requires the landlord to pay the utility bill; and
        (2)    (i)    The tenant pays all or part of the utility bill, including payments made on a new utility service account; or
            (ii)    The tenant pays any security deposit required to obtain a new utility service account.
    (c)    A tenant’s rights under this section may not be waived in any lease.

Structure Maryland Statutes