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Questions Answered by Shaneka Johnson
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: My apartment is not providing adequate pest control and after 6 months the issue is unmanageable. What can I do?

We were assured that the unit had no pest issues when we moved in 7 months ago.

Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Jul 23, 2023

Generally speaking, any dangerous defect can be grounds for opening a rent escrow case. Rent escrows allow tenants to pay their rent to the court until the landlord fixes the problem. When the dangerous defect is an infestation tenants must show that at least one other unit is experiencing the same... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Is there notice for no right of redemption?

I had some financial troubles and long story short, I have 3 eviction notices under my belt. I have paid them off before eviction but when I spoked to the leasing office last they told me they planned on filing for no right of redemption. How does this work? Will I get a notice with a date or will... View More

Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Jul 16, 2023

Generally speaking, the process for an eviction without the right of redemption is the same as any summary ejectment proceeding. Ten-days notice is required prior to filing the petition. Any appeal must be filed within ten days after the final hearing. Eviction is typically scheduled with the local... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Land Use & Zoning, Landlord - Tenant and Municipal Law for Maryland on
Q: What are the laws for parking my live in cargo van at my family’s, single family rental home?

My mom has a money hungry landlord that I’m pretty sure has been reporting us for parking in front of my family’s home even though we have her permission and her rent is up to date. My mom has health problems so I need to be around as her oldest to help out but there’s no room to actually... View More

Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Jun 22, 2023

Parking rules and regulations are typically covered in your (or your parent's) lease agreement. Additionally, if the rental property is subject to a homeowner's association, they may have additional parking rules and regulations. Further, if your vehicle is parked on a public street there... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: A tenant decides to move out the next day telling the landlord. Does the landlord keep the security deposit for no rent
Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Oct 14, 2024

In Maryland, a landlord can deduct unpaid rent from the security deposit. The landlord must provide the tenant with an itemized list of deductions within 45 days of the lease ending, and the tenant is responsible for providing a forwarding address.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: I have mold and have acquired health issues from the exposure. It was over a month before the mold was addressed.

How can my landlord be accountable? In Frederick, Maryland

Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Aug 23, 2022

Mold can be tricky. You may be able to sustain a case based on negligence and breach of contract, if you have a mold test (indoor air quality & core sample test) that shows elevated mold levels in the home and can prove the mold caused you physical harm and/or property damage.

This...
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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Landlord refuses to return deposit

I have pictures of the poor state of some of the items she claims I damaged when I first moved in.

Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Jun 12, 2022

Have you provided your landlord a forwarding address to return your security deposit? Depending on the circumstances of your move out, you may need to fulfil certain requirements in order to be successful with a lawsuit.

This reply does not constitute legal advice.

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: I filed a complaint with the county building inspector and my landlord served me a 90 day notice to vacate.

We signed our lease November 13, 2019 and have been on a year to year lease since. My landlord served us a notice to vacate by April 30th. I have four children, three in school and I need to know of what he is doing is legal?

Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Mar 30, 2022

What county is your rental home located in? (If the county is Prince Georges, additionally what city is your rental home located?)

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Business Formation for Maryland on
Q: Do I have to re-file my trade name if I had reinstated the LLC under a new legal name after it was forfeited?

Trade name was filed in 2020, the LLC name changed 2022

Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Mar 7, 2022

In Maryland trade name registrations are valid for 5 years. Trade names register the core name of the business, without the "Inc., LLC, etc." designation. Renewed businesses are covered under their new designation if they retain the core name on their trade name registration.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Libel & Slander and Probate for Maryland on
Q: I inherited a house that I lived in with my mom for 30 years it’s not been transferred to myself and sister yet

She is the executioner of the will but she has been stealing valuables from the house so I added security cameras and she is making false claims she didn’t go through my personal possessions can I have her removed as the executive of the will? She inherited the house in a 50/50 split? Until it... View More

Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Jan 13, 2022

The personal representative of a estate is give certain authorities in the will. It is common for the PR to have authority to enter into contract and collect rents on property in the estate for the benefit of the estate. If you are not on the deed and are not the PR your rights have not fully... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Maryland on
Q: I inherited the house I’ve been living in with my mom in a 50/50 undivided split

Can I rent a room out without my sisters approval who owns the other 50% it hasn’t been transferred into both our names yet as my mom just recently passed away. Can she say no even when I will split the income with her?

Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Jan 10, 2022

Who is the personal representative of your mother's estate?

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Behind on my rent due to covid. I received $18000 aid to pay my back rent. I have now been issued a notice to quit. he

My office has still not opened so I am not able to work. DHHS paid $18000 in back rent. I have now received a notice to quit. I was not able to renew my lease in August 2020 because of COVID and not working and I am month to month. Is there anyway to stop the notice to quit without paying the full... View More

Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Dec 3, 2021

This all depends on the terms of the agreement your Landlord made with DHHS in exchange for accepting the emergency rental assistance funds. Much of the pandemic rental assistance required landlord to sign an agreement to not move forward with eviction for a certain period of time following their... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: How do I set up an LLC with rental property?
Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Oct 18, 2021

An LLC established for real property ownership is no different than an LLC formed for conducting another form of business. You will need to file articles of organization. Secure an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and Maryland Tax ID Number (if your LLC is formed in Maryland). Post formation,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: My daughter lives in off campus housing at college that requires roommate agreement for a pet and sneak it in.

My daughter went and bought a dog after receiving the okay from the roommates but one of the roommates turned her in. She paid the fine and the pet fee but also has to have roommates sign an agreement with the apartment complex. The roommate that turned her in refuses to sign. My daughter has the... View More

Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Sep 13, 2021

Does your daughter have a handicap/disability that the dog provides assistive support for?

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Can a property manager put your car on a list to be towed without informing you
Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Aug 4, 2021

Towing questions depend on the terms of your lease (usually found in the rules/house rules section). Outside of the lease, HOA/COA rules and bylaws, along with posted signs will control here. You want to check each of these for parking permission requirements and make sure your vehicle is in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Hello, I can not find this answer on line. Can a Baltimore city Landlord confiscate property in my backyard?

I have a grill that the landlord claim are forbidden in our lease. Is the landlord allowed to take my grill with notice?

Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Jun 23, 2021

Generally, the answer is no. However it depends on your lease. Is there a Rules section in your lease or any language specific to the treatment of grills or prohibited items generally?

3 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Homeowner selling after signing year lease.

Update: This was a renewal lease and is scheduled to be our second year in the property.

I just signed a year lease that ends June 2022. I'm now being informed by the homeowner's real estate agent that the owner would like to cancel my lease ASAP and sell the property. What are my... View More

Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Jun 15, 2021

Generally, a lease is a contract that attaches to the leasehold property, meaning the terms of your lease could bind the purchaser of the property. However, it all depends on the terms in your lease. Your options include, negotiating an early buy-out, filing a lis pendens action, or simply... View More

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