Rent Assistance in Maryland

Last checked: November 2026. Benefits Explorer is a directory. We do not provide rent money or decide who gets help, and each program makes its own decisions.

In Maryland, rent help runs through your local Department of Social Services. The state's Homelessness Prevention Program offers small one-time crisis grants, landlord mediation and direct payments to landlords, while Emergency Assistance to Families with Children can cover rent emergencies for households with children.

Maryland's courts also describe a way out late in the process: in failure-to-pay-rent cases you can usually stop the eviction by paying the judgment amount and court costs before it happens. The Access to Counsel in Evictions program provides lawyers to eligible renters with household income at or below 50% of the state median.

The state housing department keeps crisis numbers by county, listed below for the largest jurisdictions.

Where to Start in Maryland

Homelessness Prevention Program (Maryland DHS)

Small one-time crisis grants and one-time payments to landlords to prevent eviction, plus case management and mediation. Households must have a lease in their own name, be able to pay rent going forward, and follow a case plan. Apply through your local Department of Social Services. DHS gives no grant amounts.

Visit website · Phone: 1-800-332-6347 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Emergency Assistance to Families with Children

Emergency cash help with rent, utilities or other emergencies for families with a child under 21 in the home, available once every two years when funds are available. Bring proof of the emergency, such as an eviction notice. Apply at your local Department of Social Services or online at MarylandBenefits.gov.

Visit website · Phone: 1-800-332-6347 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Access to Counsel in Evictions

Free lawyers for eligible Maryland tenants facing eviction or loss of a subsidy, with household income at or below 50% of the state median. Call 2-1-1 and tell the operator you need legal help with an eviction case, or use the online intake form.

Visit website · Phone: 2-1-1 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Community Schools Rental Assistance Program

DHCD program offering emergency rental assistance to student households in Maryland community schools facing housing instability. Ask your community school's staff. The state page lists no deadlines or status.

Visit website · Phone: 1-800-756-0119 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

Runs the state Housing Choice Voucher program, which you apply for through your local housing authority, and keeps the renter resource list. Its Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs can connect tenants to a legal services agency but cannot give legal advice. DHCD also lists the Renters' Tax Credit, up to $1,000 a year for qualified renters.

Visit website · Phone: 301-429-7400 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Local Rent Help in Maryland

Baltimore City crisis line (Baltimore City)

DHCD's listed shelter number for the city. For other housing needs, DHCD's listing says to dial 211.

Visit website · Phone: 443-984-9540 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Baltimore County crisis line (Baltimore County)

DHCD's listed shelter number for the county. Press 1 when you call.

Visit website · Phone: 410-887-8463 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Montgomery County crisis line (Montgomery County)

The county contact in the state's crisis hotline list, for people homeless or at risk of losing housing.

Visit website · Phone: 240-907-2688 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Prince George's County crisis line (Prince George's County)

The state's listed crisis contact for the county. For renters in foreclosure, DHCD lists Community Legal Services at 240-391-6370.

Visit website · Phone: 1-888-731-0999 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Howard County Eviction Prevention (Howard County)

A dedicated eviction prevention line in the state's list. The county's homelessness hotline is 410-531-6677, and families with children can call 443-864-0379.

Visit website · Phone: 410-313-6440 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Anne Arundel County crisis line (Anne Arundel County)

The state's listed crisis contact for the county, for people homeless or at risk of losing housing.

Visit website · Phone: 410-768-5522 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Facing Eviction in Maryland?

Before filing a failure-to-pay-rent case in Maryland, a landlord must give written notice of the rent due and 10 days to pay. If the court rules for the landlord, the tenant can usually avoid eviction by paying the amount due plus court costs before it happens, though a tenant with three judgments in 12 months (four in Baltimore City) can be denied that right. The eviction process cannot begin until 7 business days after judgment, and the landlord must give notice of the date at least 6 days beforehand. Read the official guidance

Free or low-cost legal help: Maryland Legal Aid. Free civil legal services for financially eligible Marylanders, including eviction defense, with 12 offices, online intake and free clinics. Maryland Legal Aid warns that it charges clients no fees. The Maryland Court Help Center also gives limited free help at 410-260-1392, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit website · Phone: 888-465-2468

This page is general information, not legal advice. Don't ignore a notice or court papers, because eviction deadlines can be short.

More Help in Maryland

Want other options? See our full rent assistance guide, including how to spot a scam, or see your options. That form is not an application for rent assistance. If you submit it, Benefits Explorer and its partners may contact you.

Maryland Rent Assistance Questions

Who pays back rent to stop an eviction in Maryland?

Start with your local Department of Social Services and ask about the Homelessness Prevention Program, which can make a one-time payment to a landlord, and Emergency Assistance to Families with Children if you have kids at home. Funds depend on availability.

Can I stop a Maryland eviction by paying?

Usually, in failure-to-pay-rent cases. You can pay the amount the court found due plus court costs before the eviction happens, by cash, certified check or money order. Payments from government-funded entities may be by check or electronic payment.

Can I get a free eviction lawyer in Maryland?

Tenants with household income at or below 50% of the state median may qualify through Access to Counsel in Evictions. Call 2-1-1 and say you need legal help with an eviction case.

Rent Assistance in Nearby States

Most programs only help people who live in their state. If you are moving or live near a state line, you can also check:

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