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.

$30
Filing fee
2–4 weeks
Hearing wait
4–8 weeks
Total process
In Person
Filing method

πŸ›οΈ Prince George's County Courthouse Information

⚠️ 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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Prince George's 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.

5

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 ~$21–$25 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $750–$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 4–8 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 (~$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 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.

Relevant Maryland Statutes