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[ ... ]
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[ ... ]