Being a landlord is more than just collecting a monthly rent check. If you’ve been managing your Maryland rental property independently, you may have faced some difficult situations. 

When you manage your own rental property, you are responsible for ensuring your rental business is compliant, tenants are satisfied, and the property is well-maintained. For many, it turns out to be a full-time job!

That’s why so many landlords in Maryland choose to work with a property manager like Mainstay Property Management.

When you choose to hire a professional property management company, you can trust that they will take care of everything. This is when you can sit back, relax, and get rent checks without lifting a finger. 

But why is it so essential to work with a property manager if you have a Maryland rental property in 2026? For one, there are several changes in the legal landscape of real estate that your property manager can help you navigate and ensure compliance with.

Legal Compliance

One of the primary responsibilities of owning a rental property is ensuring it is legally compliant in the state of Maryland. That means it complies with all applicable rules and regulations (both federal and local), holds all required permits, and meets additional requirements. 

This is where a property manager can be invaluable. They will ensure your rental property is legally compliant, which means you can avoid hefty fines and legal issues. 

Tenant’s Bill of Rights

Starting July 1, 2025, Maryland was the first state to implement a Tenant’s Bill of Rights. This legislation outlines the rights of tenants when renting in Maryland. Landlords are now required to attach a copy of the document to the executed lease agreement so tenants are aware of their rights. 

The Tenant’s Bill of Rights will be updated yearly, and the newest copy must be attached to all leases starting October 1st of each year. Your Maryland property manager will have access to this revised document and will ensure all tenants receive a copy. 

Legal Lease Agreements

A lease is one of the most important documents for landlords. It is a legal document that outlines the agreement between the landlord and the tenant, including the rent amount, due dates, and restrictions for tenants while living in the property. 

While there are lease agreement templates online, they are not always legally compliant. Working with a property manager ensures that your lease agreement is legally sound and will hold up in court in the event of eviction.

Permits and Licenses

Depending on the location of your rental property, you may be required to obtain a rental license. Your rental permit may need to be renewed periodically, as well. This is something a property manager can help you with to ensure it never lapses. 

Rental Stabilization Awareness

In some counties, such as Montgomery County, rental stabilization laws are implemented. This means that landlords may be limited to how much they can raise rent each year. 

Your property manager is aware of these regulations and can help you raise rent legally while keeping loyal tenants in your property. 

Please note: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. For specific legal guidance, please consult with a qualified legal professional.

Property Maintenance

Keeping your rental property well-maintained not only keeps tenants happy but also protects your investment and increases property value. This is where a property manager can do the heavy lifting for you. 

Coordination of Repairs

Whether an appliance breaks, a pipe leaks, or a key gets jammed, a property manager can coordinate the repairs that need to be done in your rental property. 

Your property manager will reply and contact their network of services to make the repair. And the good news? You can actually lower maintenance costs when you hire a property manager compared to doing it on your own. 

Routine Inspections

Conducting routine inspections of your rental property is an essential part of maintenance and identifying issues before they become too serious. But these inspections are more than just examining the property; they also ensure your tenants are following the lease. 

A property manager will schedule routine inspections of your rental property and notify you of any issues so you can stay ahead of the problem. 

Emergency Repairs 

Most property managers have a 24-hour line of communication available for tenants in case of an emergency. An emergency repair could be flooding, frozen pipes, or gas leaks. 

Instead of you getting a late-night call from your tenant, your property manager will be available and ready to remedy the situation immediately.

Tenant Relationships

Being a landlord comes with the responsibility to build a relationship with tenants. This requires some customer service and understanding of how to maintain tenant satisfaction while upholding the lease agreement. 

Fortunately, property managers are trained in customer service, so they can provide excellent care and management of tenants.

Boost Tenant Retention

The number one factor that increases ROI for landlords is tenant retention. When tenants renew their leases, landlords save thousands on tenant acquisition costs. 

When you work with a property manager, you can boost this tenant retention and earn more from your investment. This is because property managers possess the necessary tools and skills to deliver a pleasant rental experience for tenants. 

They offer simple payment options, such as online payment platforms. Property managers also provide better maintenance and repair coordination, ensuring issues are prioritized and handled promptly. 

Overall, tenants are more likely to renew their lease if they have a seamless and positive experience.

Customer Service

Responding to tenant requests and questions requires a level of customer service skill to maintain a healthy and positive relationship with tenants. Property managers are exceptionally skilled in handling tenant complaints professionally, whereas an independent landlord might not utilize these skills. 

Keep Your Maryland Rental Property Running Smoothly with Mainstay Management

Managing a rental property in Maryland can easily become a full-time job for many real estate investors, especially if you are building an extensive real estate portfolio. As 2026 starts with new regulations, such as those affecting tenants’ rights and rent stabilization in Maryland, working with a property manager is more critical than ever. 

That’s where Mainstay Management can help!

Our team of real estate professionals is dedicated to ensuring your rental property is both legally compliant and well-maintained. Plus, our white glove customer service offers tenants a positive experience that leads to more lease renewals. 

Contact us today to see how we can help you maximize your Maryland real estate investment ROI and keep your rental property in tip-top shape. 

If you found this blog post helpful, make sure you read “What Maryland Landlords Should Expect from Their Property Manager in 2026” next!