The Maryland rental business can be quite popular for many landlords looking to cash in on passive income. However, as a tenant, it’s important to know your rights regarding what your landlord can and cannot do. Just as you’re expected to pay for your rent each month, your landlord is expected to follow the laws outlined by the state.
Entering without proper notice
While a landlord does own the property, that doesn’t mean that they can enter the property without giving proper notice to you. As part of your tenants’ rights, your landlord may not enter the property without giving at least a 24-hour notice. This notice will need to be in writing unless you agree to receive the notice in another format. In addition, it’s important to realize that they should be visiting the premises during normal 9 to 5 hours unless you agree to another time period.
Unlawful rent raises
When you sign a contract with your landlord, you agree to pay a set amount of monthly rent. Just as you can’t decide one day that you want to pay less, your landlord can’t decide one day that they’re just going to randomly raise your rent. There are only a select few reasons that justify a rent raise. These include significant property improvements, the adding of another person on the lease or an addition of a pet on the property.
Discrimination
The Fair Housing Act prohibits a landlord from discriminating against tenants and potential tenants. This means any discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, gender, family status or even a disability is completely illegal. All tenants have the right to be given the same amount of fairness when applying to rent the unit.
Being a tenant comes along with a lot of questions. One of the biggest questions that tenants tend to have is what their landlord can and cannot do. The above are just some of the many rights that you have as a rental tenant.