Eviction in Anne Arundel County: A Landlord’s Guide to Selling Without the Stress

If you are a landlord in Anne Arundel County dealing with a non-paying tenant, a squatter, or a lease violation, you know the frustration firsthand. Whether your property is in Annapolis, Glen Burnie, or Severna Park, a bad tenant can turn a profitable investment into a financial nightmare.

In Anne Arundel County, the eviction process is handled by the District Court of Maryland (with locations in Annapolis and Glen Burnie) and enforced by the Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Office. Unlike Virginia, Maryland has specific “tenant-friendly” laws, including the “Right of Redemption” (Pay to Stay) and strict licensing requirements in the City of Annapolis that trip up many landlords.

This guide is designed to help landlords in Odenton, Crofton, and Pasadena understand the specific Maryland eviction timeline and how to sell your rental property with the tenant in place to stop the bleeding immediately.

The Anne Arundel County Eviction Timeline (The “Hard Way”)

Evictions in Maryland are governed by Real Property Article § 8-401. In Anne Arundel County, you must follow these steps precisely.

Step 1: The 10-Day Notice of Intent You can no longer file for eviction the day rent is late. You must first send a written “Notice of Intent to File a Complaint for Summary Ejectment”.

  • The Rule: You must give the tenant 10 days after receiving this notice to pay the rent before you can file in court.
  • Delivery: It must be sent via first-class mail (with a certificate of mailing) AND posted on the door.

2026 Pro Tip – The Annapolis License Trap: If your rental property is located within the City of Annapolis, you cannot file for eviction if you do not have a current, valid Rental Operating License. If you file without one, the judge will dismiss your case immediately. For properties in the county (outside city limits), check current county registration requirements for multi-family units.

Step 2: Filing the “Failure to Pay Rent” (FTP) If the tenant hasn’t paid after the 10-day notice, you file Form DC-CV-082 (Failure to Pay Rent) at the District Court.

  • Where: Annapolis (Rowe Blvd) or Glen Burnie (Ritchie Hwy) depending on the property zip code.
  • The Cost: The filing fee is approximately $50.00 plus $5.00 per tenant for service.
  • Hearing Date: The court will schedule a “Rent Court” hearing, typically 2 weeks later.

Step 3: The “Rent Court” Hearing You (or your agent) must appear in court. If the judge rules in your favor, you get a “Judgment for Possession.”

  • 4-Day Appeal: After the judgment, the tenant has 4 days to appeal.

Step 4: The Warrant of Restitution Winning the judgment does not evict the tenant. If they refuse to leave, you must file a Petition for Warrant of Restitution (Form DC-CV-081) to order the Sheriff to evict them.

  • Deadline: You cannot file this until 4 days after the judgment.
  • The Cost: Filing fee is $40.00.

Step 5: The Sheriff’s Eviction The Sheriff will schedule the eviction date.

  • Notification: You must notify the tenant of the eviction date.
  • Movers Required: You generally must hire a moving crew to remove all furniture and place it on the curb. If you do not have sufficient manpower, the Sheriff may cancel the eviction.
  • Right of Redemption: The tenant can “Pay to Stay” by paying the full judgment amount (cash or certified funds) up until the Sheriff arrives. They can use this right once every 12 months.

The Hidden Costs of Eviction

Evicting a tenant in Anne Arundel County is expensive.

  • Lost Rent: The process (10-Day Notice + Court Wait + Warrant + Sheriff Scheduling) often takes 3-5 months. In areas like Annapolis or Crofton, that is $7,000 – $15,000+ in lost income.
  • Legal Fees: If the tenant contests the case or claims “uninhabitable conditions,” your legal fees can skyrocket.
  • Restoration: Angry tenants often leave the property in shambles—leaving behind trash, damaging drywall, or stealing appliances.

Your Options: Evict or Sell?

Option 1: Finish the Eviction (Keep the Stress) You continue paying the mortgage and taxes while receiving zero rent. You navigate the “Rent Court” system in Annapolis and hope the tenant doesn’t find a loophole in your paperwork.

Option 2: Sell With the Tenant In Place (Walk Away) You can sell the property today, regardless of the tenant situation.

We Buy Anne Arundel County Rental Properties.

  • We Buy the Lease: We inherit the “bad” tenant. You don’t need to evict them.
  • We Buy As-Is: If the tenant trashed the unit, we don’t care. We buy it in current condition.
  • Cash Closing: We can close in as little as 10-14 days, putting cash in your pocket and ending your landlord liability instantly.

Important Contact Information

  • District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County
    • Annapolis: 251 Rowe Blvd, Annapolis, MD 21401
    • Glen Burnie: 7500 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061
    • Phone: (410) 260-1370
    • Website: mdcourts.gov/district
  • Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Office (Civil Process)
    • Address: 8811 Veterans Highway, Millersville, MD 21108
    • Phone: (410) 222-1570
    • Website: aacounty.org/sheriff

Stop The Bleeding. Sell Your Rental Today.

If you are tired of chasing rent, dealing with squatters, or navigating the Anne Arundel County District Court, we can help. Fill out the form below for a fair cash offer on your rental property.

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Disclaimer: Consistent Homebuyers is a real estate investment firm, not a law firm or financial institution. We do not provide legal or tax advice. We recommend all clients consult with their own legal counsel regarding estate matters.