Maryland Tenant Screening

for Landlords & Real Estate Agents

Tenant Screening Services in Maryland…

Streamline your application reviews by providing each adult occupant’s name and email address. We will then obtain their consent to deliver a detailed credit report along with a multi-state criminal background check.

No monthly fees – pay as you go.

Maryland Map

Landlord Solutions You Can Rely On

At RealSerious.com, we understand the diverse rental market across Maryland. Whether you’re managing properties in Baltimore, Silver Spring, Annapolis, or other communities, our tenant screening services provide landlords and property managers with the tools to make informed decisions.

Featured Cities:

Baltimore
Columbia
Germantown
Silver Spring
Waldorf

Our services are available statewide, helping Maryland landlords and real estate professionals manage risk and protect their investments.

What Critical Insights can Reduce Risk?

Our screening reports provide landlords with comprehensive insights to make more confident leasing decisions. Reports include, where available:

• Credit Score & Factors (ResidentScore®)
• Reported Addresses & Employment
• Credit Card & Loan Payments
• Ch 7 & 13 Bankruptcy Remarks
• Returned Check Collection Accts
• Unpaid Utility & Landlord Collections
• Foreclosures & Repossessions
• Multi-State Criminal Records*
• National Sex Offender Registry
• Global Sanctions

See a sample report.

Turnaround Times: Most reports are delivered within seconds of the applicant’s identity verification. Some results may take 1–2 days due to local reporting delays or common name matches.

tenant credit report

*DISCLAIMER: No tenant criminal background check is 100% complete. Coverage for our standard tenant screening may vary due to (1) jurisdictions limiting what records are eligible to return and (2) TransUnion and/or its partners limiting records that do not meet their data quality standards. As of November 2024, criminal records are available to return in the following jurisdictions that have a green dot in the “In Network” column below…

Maryland Tenant Criminal Record Coverage

This information applies only to our criminal report included in our standard Indiana tenant screening service. If a jurisdiction is not “In Network,” then it’s possible that if a criminal conviction occurred there, it may not be reported. Learn more about our tenant criminal record coverage across the rest of the U.S.

Search by county to see if it’s “In Network”

StateCountyIn NetworkInitial Clear Avg Turnaround TimePotential Hit Avg Turnaround Time
MarylandAllegany< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandAnne Arundel< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandBaltimore< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandBaltimore city< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandCalvert< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandCaroline< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandCarroll< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandCecil< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandCharles< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandDorchester< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandFrederick< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandGarrett< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandHarford< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandHoward< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandKent< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandMontgomery< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandPrince George's< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandQueen Anne's< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandSomerset< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandSt Mary's< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandTalbot< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandWashington< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandWicomico< 1 Minute< 1 Day
MarylandWorcester< 1 Minute< 1 Day

Maryland Tenant Screening FAQs

Additional questions? Contact us. Please note: We are unable to provide legal advice. For questions specific to landlord-tenant laws, consult a local attorney or legal expert.

Does Maryland restrict rental application fees?

In Maryland, if the application fee is $25 or less, the landlord may retain the entire amount. However, if the fee exceeds $25, the landlord must refund any portion not used for processing the application. This refund should be provided within 15 days after the tenant moves in or after either party has given written notice that the tenancy will not occur.

Can criminal background checks be used in tenant screening?

Landlords may use criminal records, but must follow Maryland’s fair housing laws, particularly in jurisdictions like Baltimore, which legislated significant restrictions for employers.

Maryland Landlord Resources

The following links offer useful information for rental property owners.

Maryland Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Laws

https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/CPD/landlords.aspx

Offers comprehensive information on landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities.

Maryland District Court

https://www.mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/housing

Guidance on eviction processes, forms, and dispute resolutions.

Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR)

https://mccr.maryland.gov

Offers resources and support for landlords regarding fair housing compliance.

Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA)

https://www.mmhaonline.org

Provides education, networking, and advocacy for landlords.

Maryland REALTORS®

https://www.mdrealtor.org

Offers professional support and resources for real estate professionals.