Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Landlord-Tenant Disputes Lawyer Maryland
Landlord-tenant disputes can be complicated and frustrating for both parties involved. In some cases, tenants may feel that their rights have been violated, while landlords may feel that their property has been damaged or that they have been unfairly treated. In this blog, we’ll cover some of the most common legal claims that can arise in a landlord-tenant dispute.
1. Breach of Lease Agreement
The lease agreement is a legally binding contract between the landlord and the tenant. It outlines the terms and conditions of the tenancy, including the rent amount, the length of the lease, and any rules and regulations that the tenant must follow. If either party violates the terms of the lease agreement, it can be considered a breach of contract. For example, if a tenant fails to pay rent on time or damages the property, the landlord may be able to take legal action.
2. Eviction
If a tenant fails to pay rent or violates the terms of the lease agreement, the landlord may seek to evict the tenant. However, there are strict rules and procedures that must be followed in order to legally evict a tenant. For example, the landlord must provide the tenant with written notice and an opportunity to cure the problem before starting the eviction process.
3. Security Deposits
Most landlords require tenants to pay a security deposit at the beginning of the tenancy. This deposit is intended to cover any damage that the tenant may cause to the property or any unpaid rent. However, there are strict rules governing how security deposits can be collected and used. For example, landlords must provide tenants with a written receipt for the security deposit, and must return the deposit to the tenant within a certain amount of time after the end of the tenancy.
4. Illegal Discrimination
Landlords are prohibited from discriminating against tenants on the basis of certain protected characteristics, such as race, religion, or disability. If a tenant believes that they have been discriminated against, they may be able to file a complaint with the appropriate government agency.
5. Retaliation
Landlords are also prohibited from retaliating against tenants who assert their legal rights. For example, a landlord cannot evict a tenant who files a complaint with a government agency or who takes legal action against the landlord.
6. Negligence
If a tenant is injured as a result of the landlord’s negligence, the tenant may be able to file a legal claim. For example, if a landlord fails to repair a dangerous condition on the property, such as a broken stair or a leaky roof, and a tenant is injured as a result, the landlord may be liable for the tenant’s injuries.
7. Quiet Enjoyment
Tenants have the right to “quiet enjoyment” of their rental unit. This means that the landlord cannot interfere with the tenant’s use and enjoyment of the property. For example, a landlord cannot enter the rental unit without the tenant’s permission, except in certain emergency situations.
In conclusion, there are a variety of legal claims that can arise in a landlord-tenant dispute. If you are involved in such a dispute, call Furman | Honick Law today and speak with a partner for a free case evaluation.
