Can a Maryland self-storage facility send nonrenewal notices by email?
Quick answer
Yes. Since July 1, 2026, Maryland operators may deliver the nonrenewal notice and the notice of intent to dispose in person, by email or by verified mail. If you email and get no reply from the occupant's email address or a delivery confirmation within 5 days, you must promptly send a second notice by verified mail to the last known postal address (Com. Law 18-502).
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 |
| Delivery methods | In person, by e-mail, or by verified mail, for the nonrenewal notice (18-502(c)(1)) and the notice of intent to dispose (18-502(e)(2)) | Md. Com. Law 18-502 |
| 5-day rule, nonrenewal | No response from the occupant's e-mail address or confirmation of delivery within 5 days: promptly send a second notice by verified mail to the last known postal address (18-502(c)(2)) | Md. Com. Law 18-502 |
| 5-day rule, disposal | Same 5-day follow-up by verified mail for the notice of intent to dispose (18-502(e)(3)) | Md. Com. Law 18-502 |
| Which email | "Last known address" includes the 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 |
| Verified mail | Any USPS or private delivery service mailing method that provides evidence of mailing (18-501(j)) | Md. Com. Law 18-501 |
| Penalty | 18-502 itself states no dollar fine | Md. Com. Law 18-502 |
| Last verified | October 30, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
What counts as a delivery confirmation?
Section 18-502 does not define "confirmation of delivery". A reply sent from the occupant's email address also stops the 5-day follow-up duty (18-502(c)(2)). Keep the email, any reply and any confirmation in the file.
Does the email notice change the 30-day clock?
No. The operator must still give at least 30 days after delivery of the nonrenewal notice, and at least until the end of the rental term, to remove property (18-502(d)), then at least 10 days' notice before disposal (18-502(e)(2)).
Do the chaptered bills match the code?
Mostly. The Chapter 216 PDF prints a few leftover words (for example "AT AFTER" in (e)(2)) that differ from the compiled code quoted here. We flag the difference and do not pick a side.
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.
Which postal address do I use for the second notice?
The occupant's last known postal address (18-502(c)(2), (e)(3)).
Is certified mail required?
The law says "verified mail": any USPS or private delivery method with evidence of mailing (18-501(j)).
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.
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