What must a Maryland self-storage rental agreement say in bold?
Quick answer
It must have a bold statement with five points: the operator has a lien, stored property may be sold if the tenant defaults, a vehicle or boat may be towed after more than 60 days in default, how a lien sale is advertised, and, since July 1, 2026, that if the operator does not renew, it will send written notice to remove everything by a stated date (Md. Code, Commercial Law 18-503(b)).
What does the law say? Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Law | Md. Code, Commercial Law 18-503(b), as amended by 2026 Md. Laws chs. 215 and 216 (SB 438 / HB 618) | Official source |
| Effective | July 1, 2026 (Section 2 of both chapters) | Official source |
| Bold points 1 to 3 | The lien exists; property may be sold to satisfy the lien on default; a motor vehicle or watercraft may be towed or removed if the occupant is in default for more than 60 days | Official source |
| Bold point 4 | A lien sale must be advertised in a newspaper of general circulation where the sale is held, by e-mail, or on a website | Official source |
| Bold point 5 (new) | If the operator does not renew, it will deliver written notice under 18-502 telling the occupant to remove all property by the date in the notice | Official source |
| Electronic agreements | "Rental agreement" now includes a written or electronic agreement (18-501(h)) | Official source |
| Fine | Sections 18-501 to 18-503 set no dollar fine for a missing statement | Official source |
| Last verified | October 22, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
What changed on July 1, 2026?
Chapters 215 and 216 of 2026 added a fifth point to the bold statement: that on nonrenewal the operator will send written notice telling the occupant to remove all personal property by a stated date. The same law added the nonrenewal notice rules in 18-502 and made clear that electronic rental agreements count. Both chapters were approved on April 28, 2026 and take effect July 1, 2026.
What does the nonrenewal notice itself require?
Under 18-502 the notice goes in person, by e-mail or by verified mail. The occupant gets at least 30 days after delivery, and at least until the end of the term, to empty the unit. If an e-mailed notice gets no reply or delivery confirmation within 5 days, a second notice must go by verified mail. Before disposing of anything left, the operator sends a notice of intent at least 10 days ahead.
Do I need to re-sign existing tenants?
The statute says what the rental agreement must contain but does not say how existing agreements must be updated. Many operators add the new wording to agreements as they are signed, renewed or modified. Check with a Maryland attorney for your own leases.
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What else do people ask?
Does the bold statement have to be a separate page?
The law says the rental agreement must contain the statement in bold type. It does not require a separate page.
Is there a fine for leaving it out?
Sections 18-501 to 18-503 set no dollar fine. A missing statement can still matter if you later rely on the lien or nonrenewal rules.
Do the two 2026 chapters say the same thing?
On the bold statement and the July 1, 2026 start date, the text of chapters 215 and 216 matches.
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.
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