Tips from the Experts on Maryland Landlord-Tenant Law

Apartment Buildings Tips from the Experts on Landlord Tenant Law

A good way to start answering your legal problem is to see what experts in the area of landlord-tenant law have to say. Find out what Baltimore Neighborhoods, Inc. (BNI) and the Legal Aid Bureau (LAB) have to say about landlord-tenant law in Maryland. You can also read the Summary of Maryland Law which is organized in the same categories.

Before You Rent	Leases, Exceptions, & Prohibited Clauses	Security Deposits	Rent
Tenant’s Rights in the Rental Property	Landlord Responsibilities	Safety & Repairs	Crime & Disturbances
Evictions & Lockouts	Evictions & Lockouts	Resolving Complaints and Rent Court	Changes in Ownership

Before You Rent

I am looking into renting an apartment. What questions should I ask about the apartment before signing the lease? A checklist for renters before moving in (BNI)
I know nothing about the landlord I am planning to rent an apartment from. What should I do before I sign a lease? Carefully check the rental property (BNI)
Is it worth getting Renter’s Insurance? Renters Insurance (BNI)
Special Issues for public and subsidized housing tenants (LAB/MLAN)

Leases, Exceptions, & Prohibited Clauses

I have signed a lease, but the landlord has told me that the current tenants want to stay. Will I have to find another apartment? Taking Possession. (BNI)
My landlord and I do not have a written lease. Are oral leases legal? Oral or written leases (BNI)
Learn whether your lease contains illegal provisions or terms which the landlord cannot enforce. Prohibited Lease Provisions (BNI)
I am thinking about getting a roommate to lower my rent. Are there any special rules regarding roommates? Roommates (BNI)
My friend wants me to co-sign on a lease. Is there anything I should know before I sign the lease? Co-signers (BNI)
Can a landlord charge a new tenant less than he is currently charging me? Incentives to sign. (BNI)
Special Issues for public and subsidized housing tenants (LAB/MLAN)

Security Deposits

What is a security deposit? (LAB)
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit? (MLAN)
How long can my Security Deposit be held after I move out? Security Deposits (BNI)
I need to take my landlord to court to get my security deposit back. What do I do? Small Claims Court (BNI)
Special Issues for public and subsidized housing tenants (LAB/MLAN)

Rent

Tenant’s Rights in the Rental Property

Does my Landlord have the right to enter my residence without my permission? Landlord’s right of entry versus the tenants right to privacy (BNI)
The Landlord is selling the property, what do I do? (MLAN)
There was a murder on the property. Should the landlord have informed me? Death at the Property (BNI)
Special Issues for public and subsidized housing tenants (LAB/MLAN)

Landlord Responsibilities

I am thinking about renting out my property. What are some basic things that I should know about? Being a Landlord (BNI)
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit? (MLAN)
What are the rules regarding tenants, roomers and guests at my house? Responsibilities of Tenants, Roomers, and Guests (BNI)
Special Issues for public and subsidized housing tenants (LAB/MLAN)

Safety & Repairs

I want to paint my apartment and put up some new shelves. What should I know before doing so? Repairs or improvements to rented property (BNI)
Right after moving in, I found out that the apartment does not have any heating, and the sewage system does not work properly. What do I do? Warranty of Habitability in Baltimore City (BNI)
My landlord refuses to make repairs on my apartment. What can I do to force him to make the repairs? Forcing Landlords to Make Repairs
There are no Smoke Detectors in my apartment complex. Is my landlord required to provide them? Smoke Detectors (BNI)
Special Issues for public and subsidized housing tenants. (LAB/MLAN)

Crime & Disturbances

Are you concerned about criminal activity around where you live? Examine the area(BNI)
My landlord refuses to do anything about the disturbances caused by my neighbors. What can I do? Constructive Eviction (BNI)
My neighbors have parties all the time and are very noisy. What can I do? Noise (BNI)
Special Issues for public and subsidized housing tenants (LAB/MLAN)

Evictions & Lockouts

Does my landlord have the right to change my locks, turn off my water, electricity, and gas if I am late with my rent? Illegal Lockout/Denial of Essential Services (BNI)
My landlord wants to evict me. What can he evict me for? Evictions
My landlord says I'll be evicted if I call the housing inspector. Is this legal? (BNI)
Evictions and Lease Renewal in Federally Subsidized Housing (BNI)
Special Issues for public and subsidized housing tenants (LAB/MLAN)

Ending the Lease

Are you about to break your lease? There are certain facts that you should know before doing so. Breaking your lease. (BNI)
My landlord agreed to cancel my lease. Should I have a written record of this? Sample lease cancellation agreement (BNI)
I don't want to renew my lease, what should I do? Proper Notice (BNI)
Evictions and Lease Renewal in Federally Subsidized Housing (BNI)
Special Issues for public and subsidized housing tenants (LAB/MLAN)

Resolving Complaints and Rent Court

The Maryland Attorney-General's Office Tips on Avoiding Disputes between landlords and tenants.
I have a complaint against my landlord. What should I do first? What tenants can do (BNI)
Things you should know about the relationship between you and your landlord. Points to consider (BNI)
I obtained a money judgment in court. How do I go about collecting on it? Collecting a Judgment (BNI)
I have been summoned to go to court regarding my rent. Anything I should know to prepare myself? Rent Court (BNI)
Special Issues for public and subsidized housing tenants (LAB/MLAN)

Changes in Ownership

What if my Landlord Sells the Property? Sale of Rental Property (MaryPIRG)
My Apartment complex is being converted into condominiums. What Can I Do? You may have certain rights and privileges when this happens Conversion to Condominium Ownership
My Apartment Complex is Being Foreclosed on. What Can I Do? You have certain rights that may protect you if this occurs Foreclosure of the Property
My Apartment Complex is Being Sold Because of Taxes Owed by my Landlord. What Can I Do? If the property is sold, you may be evicted regardless of your lease Tax Sale Notification
My Landlord is Offering me a "Lease Option Agreement". What is it, and Should I accept it? This is an option to purchase some interest in the property you are renting Lease Option Agreements

Source: The question and answers have been developed by Baltimore Neighborhoods Inc. (BNI), and the Legal Aid Bureau (LAB) as noted next to the links. Updated by the Maryland State Law Library (MSLL).

Last date reviewed: 3/17/08 (PLL/M.A.J.)