Howard County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything Maryland landlords need to file a Failure to Pay Rent / Breach of Lease in Howard County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
🏛️ Howard County Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: Howard County District Court
- Address: 3451 Court House Dr., Ellicott City, MD 21043
- Phone: (410) 480-7700
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Case type: Failure to Pay Rent / Breach of Lease
⚠️ Howard County — What Landlords Should Know
Howard County follows standard Maryland eviction procedures.
Need an Eviction Attorney in Howard County?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Howard County eviction attorney — free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Howard County
Serve the Required Notice
Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 4-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 30-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Maryland law.
File Your Failure to Pay Rent / Breach of Lease at Howard County District Court
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Howard County District Court (3451 Court House Dr., Ellicott City, MD 21043). The filing fee is $30. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.
Serve the Summons on the Tenant
After filing, the court issues a summons. In Howard County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $25. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in Howard County are typically scheduled 2–4 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.
Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Maryland Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Maryland.
Howard County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $30 | Paid to Howard County Clerk of Court |
| Summons Service | $25 | Sheriff or process server fee |
| Writ of Possession | ~$21–$25 | Sheriff enforcement after judgment |
| Attorney (optional) | $750–$3000 | Recommended for contested cases |
Frequently Asked Questions — Howard County Evictions
How long does an eviction take in Howard County?
The typical Howard County eviction takes 4–8 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Howard County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Howard County?
The court filing fee in Howard County is $30. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($25), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$21–$25), and attorney fees if represented ($750–$3000). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $76–$80.
What court handles evictions in Howard County?
Evictions in Howard County are filed at the Howard County District Court, located at 3451 Court House Dr., Ellicott City, MD 21043. The case type is filed as a Failure to Pay Rent / Breach of Lease.
Can I file an eviction online in Howard County?
Howard County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Howard County District Court.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Howard County?
Maryland law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.
What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Howard County?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Howard County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Maryland.
See full Maryland eviction laws and notice requirements.
Maryland Eviction Guide for Landlords →Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Maryland.
Maryland Eviction Notice Templates →Is your tenant facing eviction in Howard County? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in Howard County →Relevant Maryland Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-401
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change — verify with current Maryland statutes or a licensed Howard County attorney.