National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in Maryland?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

The written deadlines let an uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in Maryland finish in about 1 to 4 months at the fastest, before time to file, serve the tenant and get on the court's calendar.

The Maryland eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    10 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    10-day notice of intent to file, plus mailing

    From our guide: “Ten-day notice of intent to file: 10 days plus mailing”

  2. 2Court case

    5 to 21 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Trial set for the 5th day by statute; often 1 to 3 weeks in practice

    From our guide: “Filing to trial: 5th day by statute; often 1 to 3 weeks in practice in busy counties”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    10 to 78 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Appeal 4 days; warrant within 60 days; 6 to 14 days' notice before lockout

    From our guide: “Appeal period: 4 days (FTPR), 10 days (breach or holdover)” and “Warrant of restitution and pre-eviction noticeOrder the warrant within 60 days of judgment; at least 6 days' written notice of the eviction date (4 to 14 where local law changes it)”

What can slow it down

  • Sheriff scheduling after the warrant issues ranges from weeks to a few months depending on county backlog, with Baltimore City typically slowest; the tenant can redeem and stop the eviction at any point before the sheriff actually executes it.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full Maryland eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

Maryland scores 8 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (landlord-leaning).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed Maryland attorney before acting.