Maryland Landlord Lawyers

A rental property can be a great source of revenue, as long as landlords are prepared to handle any challenges they may face.

Landlords must have a plan for a number of scenarios including what to do when tenants stop paying rent. They must also fully understand their rights and responsibilities according to Maryland landlord-tenant law.

At Lusk Law, LLC, we have helped entrepreneurs prepare for success as landlords, and we have represented longtime landlords in court when litigation was required. We have a deep understanding of landlord-tenant law, because we are landlords too.

Contact us today to schedule a case consultation at (443) 535-9715.

Common Maryland Tenant Issues

Interactions with tenants – from the initial screening process to the end of their lease – can trigger several legal issues for landlords. These are some of the common missteps new landlords make:

  • Violation of fair housing laws: Maryland landlords are prohibited from asking tenants about race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual preference, national origin, disability, or familial status. Even when landlords know this, they might inadvertently make a statement that could be interpreted as discriminatory. For example, a landlord who publishes an ad for a vacancy would be in violation of fair housing laws if the ad said “married couple preferred.”
  • Failing to return the security deposit: Landlords may retain some or all of a security deposit to cover unpaid rent or actual damage to the property, but the deposit can’t be used to cover normal wear and tear (such as worn carpeting). When legally retaining the security deposit, landlords must notify tenants in writing within 45 days of the tenant’s vacating the property, or they forfeit their right to keep the deposit and may be liable for damages up to three times the security deposit and attorney’s fees.
  • Failing to follow eviction protocol: Maryland does not allow landlords to evict tenants on their own. Instead, landlords must file a complaint and summons in the county where the rental property is located, obtain a judgment for possession of the property, file the warrant for the eviction, and be accompanied by the sheriff on the day of the eviction.

The Importance of a Well-Crafted Lease

A lease that is vague in any way can cause major problems for landlords. For example, it’s not enough to say “Rent is due on the first of the month.” The lease must specify:

  • The dollar amount of the rent
  • On what day rent is considered late
  • Whether late fees will be assessed and, if so, how much the fees are
  • Which forms of payment are acceptable
  • The consequences of a “bounced” rent check.

A thorough lease should also include:

  • The names and signatures of all adult tenants as well as the rules about occupancy (for example, only adults who have signed the lease, and their minor children, may live on the property)
  • A pet policy and, if pets, are allowed, a policy regarding pet deposits/pet rent
  • A policy on illegal use of the property
  • Language that explains when the landlord may enter the property/how much notice must be given before entry
  • A maintenance policy that defines responsibilities for the tenant and the landlord.

If you have questions or concerns about your situation, contact us today to schedule a case consultation at (443) 535-9715.

Maintenance Concerns

Landlords must make every effort to repair defects that are dangerous or could cause harm. That includes issues such as lack of heat, hot water, or electricity (unless a utility provider stopped service because of the tenant’s nonpayment). Neglected maintenance is one of the biggest causes of landlord-tenant disputes, and it can lead to legal trouble.

Tenants have the right to ask the court to create a rent escrow account if a landlord has not repaired a serious defect on the property. If the court approves the request, the tenant pays rent to that account – not the landlord – and the court holds it until the defect is repaired. However, sometimes tenants simply stop paying rent in an effort to compel their landlord to perform repairs. That is grounds for eviction regardless of the condition of the property.

When a rental property has a yard, the lease should specify whether the landlord or tenant is responsible for its maintenance. (If it’s the tenant’s responsibility to mow the grass, the landlord should periodically look to ensure the grass is being mowed regularly.)

How We Can Help

While you probably understand that investing in real estate can be a great investment, it can also be fraught with challenges. There are a variety of ways that we can help you address some of the most common issues that landlords face in the local area.

Some of the ways we can help you include the following:

  • We can take a look at your lease before you ask your potential renters to sign it, making sure that you avoid some of the most common mistakes landlords make.
  • If you have a renter who has not paid their rent for a while and you would like to start the eviction process, we can help you with that.
  • If you are being sued by a current or former renter, you need someone who can represent you, and we can help you protect your rights and defend your interests.
  • If you have a renter who you feel has violated their lease in some way and you need to take legal action, we can help you with that as well.

Reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you take care of your property and protect your rights.

Why Choose Us?

If you are looking for a Maryland landlord attorney who can help, you should rely on our team. Some of the most common reasons why landlords reach out to us include these:

  • We specialize in this area of the law and have a significant amount of experience representing landlords of all backgrounds.
  • We always take the time to explain everything to you in a way that you can understand.
  • We have a long track record of success, and we invite you to look at our prior case results.
  • We are also transparent with our client reviews, and we invite you to take a look at what some of our former clients have to say about the services we provide.

Even though you may not think that something is going to go wrong, it is important to have a legal professional who can provide you with an objective opinion when you need help. We would be happy to represent your rights and defend your interests, so reach out to us today to speak to a member of our team about how we can assist you.

Legal Advice for Maryland Landlords

Lusk Law, LLC helps landlords by creating leases that protect their interests and providing legal guidance throughout the life of their business. Whether you’re thinking about becoming a landlord or are already a landlord, we can answer your questions and help you with any legal challenges you may face.

Contact us online, or call us at (443) 535-9715 to schedule your consultation.

Attorney Rebekah Damen Lusk

Attorney Rebekah LuskRebekah Damen Lusk is the Owner at Lusk Law, LLC. Rebekah brings personal experiences as a small business owner, real estate investor and landlord to the task of practicing law and working with clients. Her practice includes civil litigation, business, employment, landlord/tenant, real estate, family, equine and animal law. [ Attorney Bio ]

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