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[ ... ]
The Role of Wrongful Detainer in Landlord-Tenant Law
- April 4, 2016
- Landlord Law
In April 2015, Washington D.C.’s FOX 5 reported an odd story about a Prince George’s County woman who claimed squatters had taken over her home. She and her sister had owned the[ ... ]
Landlords and Lead Paint
- February 3, 2016
- Landlord Law
Lead poisoning has been a topic making headlines lately, with the discovery of widespread lead contamination of the water supply in Flint, Michigan. The p[ ... ]
Study Highlights Problem of Baltimore Rental Housing
- January 29, 2016
- Landlord Law
In December, the Abell Foundation published the results of a year-long study conducted by the Public Justice Center and Right to Housing Alliance that revealed Baltimore City’s eviction rate is a[ ... ]
Tenant Screening in Maryland
- December 16, 2015
- Landlord Law
Some benevolent landlords are willing to take a chance on a tenant who has a less-than-ideal background, especially when that person is likable or charming. However, a potential tenant’s criminal history, credit score, and rental history shouldn’t be disregarded, which mak[ ... ]
Maryland Security Deposit law
- December 2, 2015
- Landlord Law
Security Deposit Basics First-time landlords know that security deposits can help pay for damage to property and be used to cover a tenant’s non-payment of rent. What landlords may not realize, however, is that Maryland’s security deposit laws are a bit more comp[ ... ]
Rental Property Maintenance: Is DIY the Best Approach?
- November 9, 2015
- Landlord Law
When you own rental property, you’ve got three options for handling maintenance and upkeep: Do it yourself Hire a maintenance person Hire a property management company whose services include maintenance. The rig[ ... ]