how to find lawyer for rental issue in charles county md

by Elbert Osinski 4 min read

Full Answer

Do I need a landlord/tenant attorney in Maryland?

Whether you are a renter who is leasing a house or apartment or a landlord who rents out real estate, there are a variety of reasons that you may need legal advice. A landlord/tenant attorney in Maryland can help you analyze your situation, determine what your rights are, and make a well-informed decision about how to protect your interests.

What are legal issues related to real estate in Maryland?

Legal issues related to real estate and the landlord/tenant relationship come in a variety of forms. In Maryland, these often include: Landlord/tenant disputes, such as those related to rental rates, late or unpaid rent, security deposits, disagreements about the habitability of rental property, and other tenant rights and landlord rights issues.

Where can I get a copy of Maryland Court cases?

Finally, you may visit the Maryland State Law Library or one of the many Circuit Court Law Libraries across the State. You can get copies of laws, cases, court information, use computers and receive help from a court librarian.

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Can I sue my landlord in Maryland?

' Actions against landlords are premises liability cases. You can sue a landlord for slip and fall in Maryland in certain circumstances.

How long does a landlord have to fix a problem in Maryland?

In general, the courts expect that all safety-related repairs will be attended to in 30 days or less. If a landlord fails to act within a reasonable amount of time, the tenant can make an application to the court to commence the escrow process.

What Are Renters Rights in Maryland?

Under Maryland law, tenants have a right to freedom from housing discrimination, a right to certain security deposit protections, the right to freedom from landlord retaliation, and the right to be protected after domestic violence. Learn four rights of tenants in Maryland.

What is a landlord responsible for in Maryland?

Property Conditions Landlords have responsibility to use ordinary care to keep common areas in safe condition. Utilities are essential services necessary to make a dwelling livable. These include electricity, gas, water/sewage disposal, and trash collection.

Where can I file a complaint against my landlord in Maryland?

If a landlord will not make necessary repairs to a rental property, contact Housing and Community Development at 240-314-8320. All other complaints can be made by completing the Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form. 111 Maryland Ave.

What is uninhabitable living conditions?

There are no strict legal definitions for the term uninhabitable living conditions. Generally speaking it is some condition that makes the living in a home or premises impossible. Aesthetics such as an ugly paint color or worn carpet generally do not render a property unihabitable.

What your landlord Cannot do?

Landlords cannot enter tenanted properties without giving proper notice. Landlords cannot arbitrarily end someone's tenancy before the lease expires. Arbitrary, mid-lease rent increases are not permitted unless specified in certain circumstances in the lease or by the municipality.

Can a landlord sue for unpaid rent during Covid?

A landlord can sue their tenant for COVID-19 rental debt in small claims or civil court.

What rights does a tenant have?

The rights of a tenant The right to live in a property that's safe and in a good state of repair. The right to have your deposit returned at the end of the tenancy (provided that you meet the terms of your tenancy agreement).

Do landlords have a duty of care to tenants?

All landlords owe their tenants a duty of care when it comes to their health and safety while living in their rental property. Tenants, meanwhile, have a duty of care to those who visit the property while they're living there, and should ensure as far as is reasonable that they are safe while on the premises.

Is Maryland a tenant friendly state?

Maryland is a relatively tenant-friendly state. From stern security deposit regulations to required lease disclosures to mandatory rental property registrations, every move you make as a landlord is regulated by the state and often the county as well.

Who is responsible tenant or landlord?

Your landlord has to do anything your tenancy agreement says they have to do. Your landlord is also generally responsible for keeping in repair: the structure and exterior of your home, for example, the walls, roof, foundations, drains, guttering and external pipes, windows and external doors.

How often does a landlord have to replace carpet in Maryland?

approximately five yearsAlso, everything has a time span commonly referred to as a “useful life”. For carpet, it's estimated by the IRS to be approximately five years in a rental property.

How often does a landlord have to paint in Maryland?

every three to five yearsWhen to paint a rental unit is usually at the owner's discretion, and as long as the property is safe, cosmetic improvements are not mandatory for every turnover. Due to cost and inconvenience, most landlords paint every three to five years and try to coincide with a turnover.

How often must a landlord paint in Maryland?

How often you paint your Edgewood rental property is a largely personal matter. However, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, you should aim to repaint your entire rental property every three years.

What is a landlord responsible for fixing?

walls and roof, and the electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and elevator systems (as applicable). And here is the BIG one – the Landlord must repair any damage or replace items caused by fair wear and tear (more about that coming up).