Landlords have the right to evict tenants in certain situations. However, they must abide by the strictures of the law to avoid violating the rights of their renters.
Accordingly, tenants should know which reasons are legal in the event they face an unlawful eviction.
Non-payment of rent
Rent is the agreed-upon amount of money that a tenant pays the landlord in exchange for the right to live in the property. If a tenant fails to pay their rent on time or consistently neglects to pay their rent, the landlord has the right to make them leave the property.
Violation of lease terms
Leases feature certain rules and conditions that tenants must follow in order to live in the property. Conditions might include restrictions on having pets, not making excessive noise or not subletting the property without permission. If a tenant violates these terms, the landlord can initiate the eviction process.
Damage to property
While landlords own the property, tenants are responsible for taking care of it while they live there. If a tenant intentionally or negligently causes significant damage to the property, the landlord can evict them. This is because the tenant’s actions might devalue the property or incur expensive repair costs.
Illegal activities
Engaging in illegal activities on a rental property is another valid reason for eviction, as these activities may endanger the property or other tenants. As a result, unlawful activities like drug trafficking, vandalism or any other criminal behavior can trigger eviction action.
Owner’s intent to move in
In some cases, a landlord may wish to move into the property themselves or have family members move in. This is a valid reason for eviction, as long as the landlord provides proper notice to the tenant according to the pertinent laws.
According to the Maryland Attorney General, both tenants and landlords have rights and obligations they must respect. However, tenants should be acutely aware of the clauses outlined in the lease agreement to ensure landlords follow the law. If they fail to do so, the tenant has the right to file a complaint.