Maryland Law Requirements: For properties built before 1978, landlords must:
Register property with Maryland Department of Environment,
Provide required lead hazard notice pamphlets, and
Perform risk reduction measures and provide certificate
If Lead Hazards are Found:
Landlord must perform risk reduction within 30 days of notice
Tenants must be relocated during treatments
Landlords must pay reasonable relocation expenses if over 24 hours
Eviction
Legal Process Required:
Landlords cannot simply tell you to leave or change locks
Landlords must obtain court judgment and follow legal procedures
Landlord must give 10 days written notice of the intent to file for eviction
Grounds for Eviction:
Nonpayment of rent
Can file after rent is due and 10-day notice of intent to file is provided
Tenant can usually stop eviction by paying all rent owed before sheriff arrives
Holding over (not moving out when lease ends)
Requires proper written notice
Breach of lease
Breaking terms of lease agreement
Requires one month's written notice (14 days for safety threats)
Violation must be serious
Eviction Process:
Court summons (attend the hearing!)
Court hearing
If landlord wins, warrant of restitution filed
Sheriff supervises actual eviction
Appeals:
Must file within 4 days for nonpayment cases
Must file within 10 days for breach or holding over cases
Content and Resources
Maryland Attorney General
The Consumer Protection Division has a Mediation Unit that can help you try to resolve a dispute with a landlord.
Hotline: 410-528-8662 or 888-743-0023
File a complaint