While some landlords might accept an oral agreement, most will require a written contract. Before signing this, you need to read it carefully. You can talk to your new landlord if you need to change anything. You can then figure out how to reword the contract to...
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Tenant’s Rights
Understanding the laws regarding 3 common renter costs
Renting allows for more frequent moves and less financial attachment to your location. However, moving gets expensive especially when there are extra fees involved. Understand the basics of your rights when moving in and out of a location to ensure your landlord's...
Legislation would enforce landlords’ responsibility for bed bugs
The state of Maryland faces a bed bug crisis. Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on blood. They do not spread diseases, but their bites cause painful, itchy skin lesions. Some people have allergic reactions to bed bug saliva and, in a severe infestation, bed...
Reporting Rental Payment Information to the Credit Bureaus Has Drawbacks
Reporting rental payment information to credit bureaus has drawbacks, especially for lower income renters. The National Consumer Law Center has published a paper on the issues presented when rental payment information is automatically reported to the credit bureaus.
Landlords cannot legally take these 3 actions
The landlord-tenant relationship has the potential to be complex. There are both personal and legal considerations and spoken and unspoken obligations on both parties' sides. As a result, there is also the possibility of conflict, particularly when landlords fail to...
What can I do if my apartment is unsafe?
As a tenant, you have the right to safe living conditions. The apartment you rent should meet all safety standards. It should be in good structural shape and also be in good repair. Sometimes a landlord will fail to maintain your apartment and it becomes unsafe. What...
Is your carbon monoxide detector working properly?
Not having to worry about upkeep is one of the primary reasons to rent rather than purchase your own home. Consequently, you should be able to count on your landlord to maintain your rental unit. This may include occasionally inspecting your home and appliances for...
How your landlord can violate your lease agreement
Much of the country’s population rents or leases property rather than purchasing a home, and if you are a tenant or lessee, you have clearly defined legal rights and obligations. Your lease is a legally binding contract, and both you and your landlord should adhere to...
Is your landlord retaliating because you exercised your rights?
A landlord has certain obligations to tenants under Maryland law and must fulfill those responsibilities. As a tenant, you have rights. You protested the failure of your landlord to keep his part of your rental agreement. What happens if he tries to retaliate against...
Advocates argue for changes to eviction laws in Maryland
In the last couple of years, the topic of eviction and tenants' rights has bubbled up in the news here and there. With moratoriums staving off landlords from evicting people who have since lost their income, there is a backlog of appeals from both sides of the rental...