If it is in the contract then you can.

You can order a 'Landlords and Tenants: Tips on Avoiding Disputes'. Found this at the following website: http://www.oag.state.md.us/Consumer/landlords.htm This booklet provides you with information about Maryland landlord/tenant laws. It covers topics dealing with applications, leases, security deposits, rent escrow, lead paint hazards, eviction, and where to seek help if problems arise. In reviewing this material, keep in mind that many Maryland counties and Baltimore City have different landlord/tenant laws that may provide additional protections or require that you follow different procedures. A free, printed copy of this booklet may be ordered by calling the Consumer Protection Division at (410) 576-6500.

My understanding is that if the Landlord ACCEPTS the rent, then as long as it doesn't BOUNCE..you've paid! I tend to believe that while, unfortunately, YOUR hardships are most likely causing your Landlord some stress they would need to give you a 30-day notice if you are renting month to month. While if the Landlord creates their own rental agreement for you to both sign, they can put what they want into the agreement, customize it if you will, they can not put "rules" into the agreement that are counter to what the State Laws or Federal Laws would indicate as appropriate content. A Landlord CAN ask you to leave anytime they want you out for any reason at all. Just as YOU can also give notice to them that you want to leave at anytime for any reason at all. Both, however, need to follow the established laws for the State that the property is located in. And while YOU could actually move out, without notice and within a week of paying your rent, or a week before paying the next month's rent due, your Landlord COULD then hold on to your paid rent, or even charge you (in most cases) for an extra 30-days, if you have a month to month agreement, OR for several months, if you had a one year lease. They can charge you ONLY until the place is rented again (WITH A ONE YEAR LEASE), however, they would also need to PROVE that they did everything they could do to secure a new Tenant, if they sued you for the unpaid months. Who ever FILES A LAW SUIT...also bares the burden of PROOF in the case...they have to prove the amount and why the money is owed. I have to say that I DEPEND upon my rent to help pay the mortgage. I make up the difference between what is paid to me, and what I owe each month to the lender. If my Tenant was late almost every month, it would drive me batty! Depending upon how late, it could also cause me to incur LATE FEES with my mortgage that typically cost me close to $100 every time it could be late! (And it could cause a negative effect on my credit scores too, if the lender reports that I am constantly late...that's not fair to me!) I'm sorry you've had unexpected hardships, and your Landlord maybe sorry for you as well. But, it's not exactly right or fair for them to have to worry every month either. Maybe you need to try and find a less expensive place to rent? I hope things get better for you soon. http://www.rentometer.com/tenant