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Maryland Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: I filed in small claims to have my security deposit returned…

I was awarded a judgement for the portion not returned. I have a couple of questions: why wasnt interest factored in? Did i specifically need to ask for it? My landlord has made no attempt in nearly a year to pay me. How do i get the money owed to me? I was in a homeless shelter. The shelter asked... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Hello I gave notice to my rental office that I would vacate my unit on October 31, 2024. I moved my things out on Sunday

Hello I gave a 60 day notice to my rental office that I would vacate my unit on October 31, 2024. I moved my things out on Sunday October 27th, 2024 and left the keys in the drop box because I am moving over an hour away and it would be a hassle to return them this week. Yesterday as I was... View More

Leonard A Englander
Leonard A Englander
answered on Nov 1, 2024

Not really. Once you turned back possession of the premises, they were legally entitled to come in and dispose of anything remaining. The Landlord would generally be protected in this type of situation.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Is there a time limit for landlord to file any other paperwork once the judge Grant's no right of redemption

In Anne Arundel county

Is there anything that I can do to stop this from happening and remain living there. I read that an appeal can be done. If this took effect 10/2/24 what date is Last day to file it.

I also was told I could file something with judge grant longer stay. Can you... View More

Leonard A Englander
Leonard A Englander
answered on Oct 14, 2024

Generally, a failure to pay rent has a 4 day appeal period. If this happened on 10/2/24, you will not be able to appeal the ruling.

You can request a short stay of eviction, but that is dependent on the Judge and it will not be for long (ie. 30 days or so max).

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Can I sue my father

My mother passed away in July. She was in housing. My father lived with her but was never on the lease. I paid her rent for July and August he hasn’t paid for September or October. The company that she was leasing with said she is still responsible for the apartment since she allowed him to have... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Oct 16, 2024

Your mother does not owe anything, and neither do you. Your mother's estate would be the only possible entity that owes anything to a creditor. The landlord is now a creditor of the estate, assuming that your mother's death did not automatically terminate the lease and end the... View More

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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 Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: My new apartment came with a backed up kitchen sink. What can I do?

I moved into my Baltimore County apartment 3 weeks ago and the sink was already partially backed up with a broken garbage disposal. I've made several different type of attempts to get the landlords to fix it, but they are taking their time. This has made the kitchen unusable for cooking as it... View More

Cedulie Renee Laumann
Cedulie Renee Laumann
answered on Aug 31, 2024

Maryland law requires that rental units be livable with essentials like heat and running water. Whether a backed up drain makes property unlivable or not would heavily depend on the circumstances. A single slow moving drain probably does not render property unlivable but if there were no working... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: i live in maryland the landlord refuses to remediate mold am now being forced to move. waht are my rights?

i have text evidence of the conversation there is also parts of the cielign falling apart in the room

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your challenging housing situation. Landlords in Maryland have a legal obligation to maintain rental properties in a safe and habitable condition, which includes remediating mold issues. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Document the issue: Take photos and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: My landlord rented me a property for a business and it wasn’t zoned for it ,which he knew and didn’t tell me.I lost 60k
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

It sounds like you're dealing with a very challenging situation, and it’s understandable that you'd feel frustrated and misled. If your landlord knowingly rented you a property not zoned for your business, you might have legal grounds to seek compensation for your financial losses. It... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Deed Transfer for Ground Rents in Baltimore City. I have 8 registered with SDAT, but need the deed transfered to me .

The deeds are in my late grandfathers name. I have the death certificate and inventory list of ground rents.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2024

To transfer the deeds from your late grandfather's name to yours, it's necessary to go through the proper legal processes in Baltimore City. First, ensure that you are legally entitled to the ground rents according to your grandfather's will or the state's succession laws if... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: I'm being harassed and retaliated by the leasing managers, they charged me a late fee for being 500.00 short back in Oct

I noticed they did not deposit the money order I gave them in the drop box 1494.00. They only deposited 500 + 494 in October and said nothing until February 2024, having the sheriff serve me a summons for not paying rent in October 2023. That case got dismissed after I showed their attorney the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 20, 2024

In your situation, finding legal assistance is crucial to navigate the complex issues you're facing with your leasing managers. In Oxon Hill, MD, you have several options for obtaining legal help, especially in cases of harassment, retaliation, and eviction proceedings. Local legal aid... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Is it legal to offer a month's free rent to my tenant in my house if they were to leave

Is it legal to offer 1 month free rent for my tenant to leave before their lease is up

Kenesha A Raeford
Kenesha A Raeford
answered on Mar 25, 2024

Yes. It is legal to politely ask your tenant to move out, and also provide an incentive to do so. The actions you are describing are not illegal, so long as the tenant understands the he or she has the right to decline this offer. I suggest drafting up an addendum to the lease agreement, that... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Good morning If the landlord doesn’t have a renters license what legal action can I take or what rights do I have

Landlord is asking me to vacate property by February 29, 2024

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Feb 17, 2024

Rental license laws are local to the county (or City of Baltimore) where you live, and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Without knowing your location it is difficult to be clear on what laws apply. Also, the type of rental unit matters. Renting a room in someone’s house with a common... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Environmental and Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: I was just cited From Prince George DPIE for infractions and have 2 fine for a total of $600 but was never sent a notice

I would like to know if they had to have sent a correction notice. How can I get proof of what they saw or they think was the infractions and if what they listed as infractions are infractions or are ok.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

If you have received citations from Prince George's DPIE (Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement) for infractions related to your property, it is crucial to review the local regulations and follow the proper procedures. Typically, jurisdictions have specific protocols for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: Seeking best course of action in attempting to leave lease where signed with roommate.Desire to leave before end of term

I am in a lease agreement where both my roommate and I have signed the lease. Living with roommate has been affecting my mental health, so I want to leave before the end of the lease term. I informed my roommate and gave her a timeline asking if it would work for her she said yes but has stated she... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 8, 2023

Consider the following potential courses of action in this situation:

Negotiate with your roommate: Communicate the impact on your mental health and express your desire to leave the lease. Offer assistance in finding a new roommate and suggest a financial incentive to encourage cooperation....
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Eviction hearing Monday. Defendant died. What should love ones do? Time to empty house?

My dad has an Eviction hearing on Monday. He died this week before hearing? He was the only person on lease. What should we do? Notify the landlord?court? Do we have time to try to get his affairs in order?

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Nov 14, 2023

If you want his personal belongings from the premises, and you do not have access to the apartment, then you will need to open an estate for your father and have Letters of Administration issued to somebody acting as Personal Representative (PR) of his estate. If he had a will, he would have... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Bankruptcy for Maryland on
Q: Just filed Chpt7 and received case #, etc. but have eviction case on Monday. How do I present district court with injunc

I need to let the Dist. Court know that I have filed for Chapter7 and halt the proceeding (eviction hearing) that is on Monday. I was told I could call in with the BR case # once filed. But the DC is now saying I need to file something with my DC case # and the BR case #, but could not tell me... View More

Martha Warriner Jarrett
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answered on Nov 3, 2023

TODAY, call the landlord's atty and give them the case number. This is really a state court question, but if you have something with the DC caption on it, make a copy of it, title it "Notice of Bankruptcy Filing" and attach a copy of the Bankruptcy Court notice of filing that's... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Filing Chapter 7 in MD this week. I also have an eviction (rental) hearing next Monday. Question on letting court know

Once filed, how do I let the District Court know that I filed for bankruptcy so that the hearing does not proceed on Monday, Nov. 6th? (As of course, once you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, there is an automatic stay/injunction.)

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Oct 31, 2023

Assuming you have the Clerk's/Court's contact info from your Notice of the eviction case, the quick way is to telephone the Court/Courtroom Deputy, during working hours, and provide the name of your bankruptcy court, with the Bankruptcy Case No., and date of filing. A more reliable way... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: my lease expired April of 2023 and my landlord failed to give me a new lease to sign, do I technically owe 60 day notice

I signed a lease for one year with an end date of April 2023 and have been told the price have increased for my new lease starting may 2023. I have waited 6 months for a new lease and I am now trying to move and is being told I need to give a 60 day notice. I have not signed a new lease to have to... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Oct 30, 2023

You will need to review your old lease to see what happens when the lease expires and how much notice you need to give.

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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

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