Is this tenancy taking place in MD? I only ask because there seems to be some indication that it might be from DC.

If MD, then you should know that MD law changed in October 2021. From that point on, if you wish to make a tenant leave due to a holdover, you have to give 60 days notice to... View More

In which ways are you being harassed? There are quite a few things the landlord can do that would be considered extremely annoying, but would legally be nonactionable.

This type of situation is governed by Maryland real property article 8-203.

It specifies that the landlord can withhold the security deposit for damages that are above ordinary wear and tear.

You certainly could make the argument that you did not cause those damages, that the... View More

Theoretically, you can, but you would need to go through the Court system. Was there an agreement that she would pay rent or something similar? If yes, then she would be considered a tenant and you would need to give her written notice to vacate.

Assuming this is in the state of MD, you are dealing with a holdover situation. A written lease agreement isn't required for a rental agreement, it's just a good idea. If you were accepting money from this person in exchange for a place to stay, the person becomes a Tenant.

In MD,... View More

Absent unusual circumstances (ie. an agreement stipulating to responsibility or a guarantor or the occupant doing damage to the premises), the answer is no. The named tenant(s) are the responsible parties. Authorized occupants merely have the right to reside. As a result, they don't have... View More

If you can prove that she is unlawfully withholding your security deposit, you can file suit in district Court for up to three times the amount that is unlawfully being withheld

Sound advice from Mr. Scherr. Odds are pretty good you will qualify for a probation before judgment.

You are on a month-to-month lease as of this time (automatically reverts to month-to-month if not renewed). So, the Landlord (LL) is free to give you notice. However, it's illegal to simply boot your stuff to the curb (not that it doesn't happen, just that it's relatively rare... View More

As a CYA measure, I would seriously consider getting some form of testing out there. They may be blowing smoke, but if there is a real issue out there, you are going to want to know about it and get it checked ASAP. If you don't, you could be accused of being negligent and that is the point... View More

That would depend. Did you evict the tenant through the Courts? If yes, then you don't have any notice requirements. I would be wondering how it came to be that the Tenant left but their stuff is still there. I suggest contacting an attorney to discuss the particulars.

It depends. Based on what your describing, you might have grounds to claim retaliation. However, the Landlord might be able to counter and provide a reasonable alternative explanation. In short, you should contact an attorney, as retaliation defenses are tricky.

You can certainly try, but defamation/libel cases are notoriously difficult and hard to get judgments for.

You should bring any and all documents that support your claim. Often, that is a copy of the lease, a ledger, photos of any claimed damages, invoices/estimates of the damages and any other ancillary proof that you happen to have.

I agree with Counsel. Continuity of care is very useful in situations such as these. Your first stop should be your prior attorney, who should be able to get the bench warrant taken care of.

I agree with counsel. If everyone who got a speeding ticket got their career dinged, no one would have a career (including quite a few lawyers). It's a very minor offense, especially if it's your first one. Request a trial. You will most likely receive a probation before judgment. I... View More

I agree with Counsel. The Statute of Limitations simply means that the case must be filed within that time.

You and/or your brother will need to give her 60 days notice to vacate (make it effective the first of the month {ie April 1st, 2022}. If she doesn't leave, then you would have to file a tenant holding over action with the Courts.

Alternatively, if she hasn't paid rent and if you... View More

This happens fairly frequently actually, especially these days. Odds are good that it's from a Failure to Pay Rent that was filed quite a while ago which you have since paid.

I would reach out to the Landlord and get them to give you some written assurance that the case is going to be... View More

Possibly. A lot would depend on the facts of the case. Certainly, if the damages claimed are real and are beyond ordinary wear and tear, I would hesitate to file. However, if you left the house in good condition and can prove it, then it becomes more viable. I would consult with a knowledgeable... View More