Q: I am a renter of a room in a basement apartment. The landlord has broken her own house rules of cleanliness
She has guests without telling renters; but we are not allowed any guest, then came home late from church and a drunk uncle JUST PRISON RELEASED was on the couch without informing us. 3 women share this space. Began renting in April 1, paid on time until July due to car repairs. Rent is $550 and was able to get $500 from church to pay rent on July 14. I explained that I would rather leave due to financial challenges instead of not pay her; she has been showing the room. Now she is trying to throw me out for the $50 in which I don't have. I'm trying to be out by 7/22 however, she may hold some of my belongings. What recourse do I have? Do she need to file an eviction before she can touch my belongings? If so, how much time do that give me to leave? I tried to do this with respect and without any further financial harm to her, but she seems to want to take this where it don't have to go. I just want to leave with all my stuff in peace. Please advise and thank you, DeBorah (BELTSVILLE)
A:
A homeowner is not required to abide by the same rules they require of a tenant under a tenant's lease.
A landlord must file for eviction and cannot just help themselves to a tenant's property (commercial leases have different rules).
If the living situation is difficult it may be wise to negotiate an agreed upon move-out date.
You may wish to contact a landlord / tenant organization (such as Baltimore Neighborhoods Inc) for more information.
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