New Rules for Landlords in Howard County
- July 27, 2018
- Landlord Law
On June 4, 2018, the Howard County Council passed new landlord-tenant regulations as outlined out in Bill No. 20 -2018. The bill includes new regulations for landlords and tenants, including specifying the powers and duties of the[ ... ]
Know Your Rights with the Right of First Refusal
- June 18, 2018
- Landlord Law
“Daunting,” “baffling,” and “headache-inducing” are just a few of the words used to describe the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) (also called Tenant’s Right of First Refusal), which covers the buying or selling of a single-family residential rental prop[ ... ]
City Council Bill Enhances Requirements for Baltimore Landlords
- May 22, 2018
- Business Law Landlord Law
Baltimore City Councilman Bill Henry introduced a bill this year that would require licensing and inspection of all private rental properties. Currently, landlords with one- and two-unit rental properties are exempt from those requirements, but those are the properties that mo[ ... ]
Why Landlords Should Be Proactive on Lead Paint in Properties
- May 10, 2018
- Landlord Law
In March, the Maryland Senate was considering a bill that would require judges to dismiss eviction suits if landlords can’t prove[ ... ]
The Responsibilities of a Rental Property Owner
- March 26, 2018
- Landlord Law Real Estate
Owning a commercial or residential rental property comes with responsibilities. The most basic responsibility is proper upkeep and maintenance, to ensure the tenants can use the property as intended. Additional responsibilities are defined by federal, state, and local laws. F[ ... ]
New Maryland Carbon Monoxide Detector Law Effective in April
- March 19, 2018
- Landlord Law
April 1 is the deadline for landlords to install carbon monoxide detectors in rental units. According to legislation that passed in 2016, in dwellings that rely on fossil fuel for heat, ventilation, hot water, or clothes dryer operation, carbon monoxide detectors must be insta[ ... ]
How Landlords Can Avoid a Bad Reputation
- October 4, 2017
- Landlord Law
Some landlords don’t care about the condition of their properties, but most people who get into the property rental business don’t want to be known as “slumlords.” To avoid that label, landlords must be diligent about repairing defects on their properties and maintaini[ ... ]
How to Legally Screen Tenants
- October 11, 2016
- Landlord Law
Landlords want to find the best tenants for their rental properties, and that begins with a thorough application and screening process. You can ask numerous questions of applicants, but some questions are forbidden, under federal housing law. Read on for tips on how to legally[ ... ]
Subletting: Good or Bad for Landlords?
- August 10, 2016
- Landlord Law
When drafting a lease agreement, landlords sometimes wonder whether they should include a cause that expressly forbids tenants from subletting their rentals. If you prohibit subletting, you may be able to avoid some complicated legal issues, but there are a few reasons sublett[ ... ]
Tips on Handling Rent Increase and Quit/Vacate Notices
- July 7, 2016
- Landlord Law
Maryland landlord-tenant laws are sometimes quite detailed, especially regarding the information that must be included in written notices. An incorrectly worded notice, or one that’s not delivered in a timely manner, ca[ ... ]