Get RESIDENTIAL DWELLING LEASE - Cecil-landlordsorg

The statute of limitations applicable to actions for back rent under residential leases is three years pursuant to Maryland Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings Article, §5-101, regardless of whether the lease includes a seal or language that purports to convert it into a contract under seal subject to a 12-year period ...

Lack of heat, electricity, or running water. Lack of functioning toilets. Serious structural defects that present a real possibility of harm. Rodent infestation.

No landlord may increase the rent, decrease services, evict or threaten to evict a tenant because that tenant made a good faith complaint to the landlord about unhealthy housing conditions, violations of law or the lease, has filed or participated in a lawsuit against the landlord or has participated in any tenants' ...

In Maryland, a landlord can evict a tenant for not paying rent on time. Unless the lease states otherwise, rent is due at the beginning of each pay period and is considered late the following day. Once rent is late, the landlord must provide a 10 days' notice to pay rent or vacate the premises.

​It's illegal in Maryland for a landlord to retaliate and evict a tenant primarily because the tenant or a housing inspector sends a notice to the landlord informing them that there are lead hazards in the property or that there is a child with an elevated blood lead level living in the property.

In Maryland the rent is late is not paid in full by the fifth day of the month (tenth day in Montgomery County). The late charge may not exceed 5% of the monthly rental amount, and you should inform the tenant of your late fee at the beginning of the lease term.

In order to withhold rent for conditions that constitute a threat to life, health, or safety, you must provide actual notice of the defects. You can notify the landlord by certified mail, or they may be notified of the violations from an appropriate government agency, such as the local housing department.

Maryland state law now says that late fees can only be charged after the rent is 7 days late. So, if rent is due on the 1st but still has the grace period until the 3rd, that means your late fee cannot be charged until 7 days after the grace period ends.

Maryland state law prohibits the landlord from taking possession of the premises or tenant's property without legal process. Should a lockout occur, the tenant has the right to hire a locksmith, change the locks, re-enter the premises, and hold the landlord responsible for the cost involved.