Can a Maryland self-storage rental agreement be electronic?
Quick answer
Yes. Since July 1, 2026, Maryland's self-storage law defines a rental agreement as any written or electronic agreement that sets or changes the terms for using a storage facility (Com. Law 18-501(h)). It must still contain the bold statements required by 18-503(b), including the nonrenewal notice statement, and an email address the occupant gives counts as a last known address.
What does the law say? Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Effective | July 1, 2026 (HB 618 / SB 438, Chapters 216 and 215 of 2026) | HB 618 fiscal and policy note |
| Rental agreement | Any written or electronic agreement that establishes or modifies the terms, conditions or rules concerning the use and occupancy of a self-service storage facility (18-501(h)) | Md. Com. Law 18-501 |
| Last known address | The address or e-mail address the occupant gave in the rental agreement or in a later written change-of-address notice (18-501(c)) | Md. Com. Law 18-501 |
| Bold lien statements | The agreement must state in bold type: the lien, possible sale on default, towing of vehicles or watercraft after more than 60 days in default, and how a sale is advertised (18-503(b)(1)-(4)) | Md. Com. Law 18-503 |
| Bold nonrenewal statement | That if the operator does not renew, it must deliver written notice to remove all property by the date in the notice, under 18-502 (18-503(b)(5)) | Md. Com. Law 18-503 |
| Penalty | 18-501 to 18-503 state no dollar fine | Md. Com. Law 18-503 |
| Last verified | October 30, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
Does the law say how an electronic agreement must be signed?
No. Sections 18-501 to 18-503 do not set a signing method. They define the agreement to include electronic ones and set what it must say.
Does the bold type rule apply online too?
Section 18-503(b) requires the statements "in bold type" in the rental agreement, and the definition covers electronic agreements, so the bold statements belong in the electronic version as well.
Can I send the later notices by email?
Yes. Nonrenewal and disposal notices may go by email, with a verified-mail follow-up if there is no reply or delivery confirmation within 5 days (18-502(c)(2), (e)(3)).
Want it done in an afternoon? The Maryland self-storage nonrenewal kit gives you the bold rental-agreement paragraph, a nonrenewal notice, a notice of intent to dispose and a spreadsheet with the 30-day, 10-day and 5-day clocks, with the official text quoted. One-time payment of $49, instant download.
What else do people ask?
When did this start?
July 1, 2026.
Does an email address count as the tenant's address?
Yes, if the occupant gave it in the rental agreement or a later written change-of-address notice (18-501(c)).
Is there a fine?
These sections state no dollar fine.
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.
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