Alexandria, VA asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland

Q: I am a tenant and signed a lease with a married couple, lease is signed by both the husband and wife jointly. SDAT shows

they are both on the deed 50/50 ownership. They are getting divorced and the husband is claiming he is managing partner and has the right to terminate the lease without her consent. The divorce will not be finalized for 5 mo. She does not wish to terminate lease opposes his actions. What are my rights as tenant? It is single family home unit, at lease signing they had me initial all options 1) lease renews automatically, 2) lease goes month to month, and 3) new signed lease is to be executed at expiration. Prior to 1 st yr lease expiration I requested in a written email clarification which I have never received. It is now 3 yrs and 1 mo since original lease was signed. Never given new lease. What amount of notice to vacate am I to receive? Initial yr lease was 2/1/2020 -2/1/2021 prior to 10/2021 so I understand this date is of importance. Does the lease renewal ambiguity negate/work in my favor since I am just tenant that not properly informed even when I requested clarity in writing?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Leonard A Englander
Leonard A Englander
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Annapolis, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: I would need more information to answer this fully.

You mentioned that there is a automatic renewal clause in the lease that you initialed. Did that automatic renewal clause state that the lease would be renewed automatically for an additional year unless either party takes an action?

If so, arguably, that is enforceable. Any ambiguity in the lease would probably be in your favor. However, there are quite a few questions that would need to be answered. I would suggest you contact a knowledgeable attorney.

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