Q: Can a landlord sue for rent almost 4 years after I moved out? Wasn’t evicted, left early with property manager approval.
In February of 2017 I moved into an apartment complex in AA County Maryland run by a large property management company. About 6 weeks later, towards the end of March, I started to notice evidence of an intense rodent infestation. Not talking a few droppings. I’m talking electrical fire started by chewed through wires, inoperable oven and stove because of rodent damage, dead rodents in every room of the apartment every morning. Long story short management was alerted to the problem when I became aware. Maintenance would come set traps in my unit but nothing was done about the rest of the building. 3 months went by and management still hadn’t fixed the problem and wouldn’t agree to move me to another building. I involved the county health inspector who came and found many violations and said my apartment wasn’t safe to live. Property manager agreed to terminate lease early and I moved out 7/1/2017. Today,4/26/2021 out of nowhere a process server shows up with suit papers.
A:
A lot would depend on what was agreed. If there was an agreement (preferably in writing and signed) that you could terminate your lease early, then they probably don't have a leg to stand one. Likewise, in terms of a statute of limitations issue, a lot would depend on when they filed the suit. They generally have 3 years from the date they knew or should have known that they needed to file suit. However, it is not impossible that they filed it within the time limit and have been seeking service.
I would consult with a knowledgeable attorney ASAP.
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