Prince George's County Eviction Court β Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything Maryland landlords need to file a Failure to Pay Rent / Breach of Lease in Prince George's County β fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
ποΈ Prince George's County Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: Prince George's County Courthouse
- Address: 14735 Main St., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
- Phone: (301) 952-4030
- Hours: MonβFri, 8:30 AM β 4:30 PM
- Case type: Failure to Pay Rent / Breach of Lease
β οΈ Prince George's County β What Landlords Should Know
Prince George's County follows standard Maryland eviction procedures.
Need an Eviction Attorney in Prince George's County?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Prince George's County eviction attorney β free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Prince George's 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 Prince George's County Courthouse
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Prince George's County Courthouse (14735 Main St., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772). 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 Prince George's 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 β improper service can get your case dismissed.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in Prince George's County are typically scheduled 2β4 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 β this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Maryland.
Prince George's County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $30 | Paid to Prince George's County Clerk of Court |
| Summons Service | $25 | Sheriff or process server fee |
| Writ of Possession | ~$21β$25 | Sheriff enforcement after judgment |
| Attorney (optional) | $750β$3000 | Recommended for contested cases |
Frequently Asked Questions β Prince George's County Evictions
How long does an eviction take in Prince George's County?
The typical Prince George's County eviction takes 4β8 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement β assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Prince George's County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Prince George's County?
The court filing fee in Prince George's County is $30. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($25), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$21β$25), and attorney fees if represented ($750β$3000). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $76β$80.
What court handles evictions in Prince George's County?
Evictions in Prince George's County are filed at the Prince George's County Courthouse, located at 14735 Main St., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. The case type is filed as a Failure to Pay Rent / Breach of Lease.
Can I file an eviction online in Prince George's County?
Prince George's County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Prince George's County Courthouse.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Prince George's 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 Prince George's County?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Prince George's County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ β 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 βDownload the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Maryland.
Maryland Eviction Notice Templates βIs your tenant facing eviction in Prince George's County? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in Prince George's County βRelevant Maryland Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: Md. Code, Real Prop. Β§ 8-401
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change β verify with current Maryland statutes or a licensed Prince George's County attorney.