Cal. Civ. Code § 8-112
Md. Code Ann., Real Property Art. Title 8 — Landlord and Tenant
Operative Text
If the improvements on property rented for a term of not more than seven years become untenantable by reason of fire or unavoidable accident, the tenancy terminates, and all liability for rent ceases on payment proportionately to the day of fire or unavoidable accident.
Under Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. § 8-112, when a rental property leased for seven years or fewer becomes uninhabitable due to fire or an unavoidable accident, the lease itself ends by operation of law. Once that triggering event occurs, the tenant's obligation to pay rent stops, and any rent owed is calculated only up to the day the fire or accident happened. Neither party is required to continue performing under the lease after that point.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 8-112, operators of short-term residential or commercial rentals should be aware that a fire or unavoidable accident that renders the property untenantable automatically terminates the tenancy—there is no need for a formal eviction or lease-termination notice in that scenario. Compliant landlords typically reconcile rent accounts as of the date of the casualty event, refunding any prepaid rent covering days after that date. Maintaining adequate property insurance and clear records of the casualty date helps support an accurate and timely accounting.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 8-112 of Maryland's Real Property Code provides that tenants in leases of seven years or less are not liable for rent beyond the day a fire or unavoidable accident makes the property untenantable. If a landlord continues to demand rent after such an event, tenants may raise this statutory termination as a defense in any rent-collection proceeding. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices familiar with Maryland landlord-tenant law can help individuals understand how this provision applies to their circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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