Santoni, Vocci & Ortega, LLCSantoni, Vocci & Ortega, LLC2026-10-05T09:17:28Zhttps://www.svolaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1504014/2020/10/cropped-favicon-32x32.jpgby Santoni, Vocci & Ortega, LLC<![CDATA[Can debt collectors call your employer in Maryland?]]>https://www.svolaw.com/?p=481022026-09-25T06:25:09Z2026-09-25T06:25:09ZYour workplace has protection from debt collection calls
If you owe a debt, a debt collector generally cannot contact your employer to discuss or disclose a debt you owe. A collector may be permitted to contact your employer only to locate you, and even then cannot reveal that you owe a debt. If your employer does not allow personal debt-related calls at work and the collector knows this, contacting you at your workplace may also violate the law.
Maryland law also restricts how collectors can discuss your debt with others. A collector cannot use your debt to embarrass or pressure you by telling people who do not have a valid reason to know about it.
Use obscene or grossly abusive language when communicating with you.
Threaten to have you prosecuted for a crime unless the debt involves a criminal offense.
Make false claims about legal rights or the collection process.
Reach out at inappropriate times or repeatedly call with the intent to harass you.
These rules can protect you from collection tactics that go beyond simply asking you to repay a debt.
Check the agency and report violations
You may check whether a collection agency has a Maryland license. If you believe a collector violated Maryland’s debt collection rules, you can file a complaint with the State Collection Agency Licensing Board. Save any letters, texts or other proof of the collector’s actions. You may also have the right to recover damages for certain violations.
Protect your rights from improper collection practices
Dealing with debt can be stressful, especially when you worry about your job or repeated collection calls. If a collector contacts your employer or uses threats or harassment, keep records of what happened and learn about your options under the law.
Knowing your rights can help you handle the situation and protect yourself from improper collection practices.]]>On Behalf of Santoni, Vocci & Ortega, LLC<![CDATA[Can a debt collector keep contacting you after you hire a lawyer?]]>https://www.svolaw.com/?p=480992026-09-17T14:19:29Z2026-09-17T14:19:29ZWhat changes when a collector knows you have a lawyer?
The collection agency generally must contact your lawyer instead of contacting you about the amount it says you owe. The rule applies when the agency knows that a lawyer represents you for that debt and knows, or can readily find, your lawyer’s name and address. Providing your lawyer’s name and address can make that clear. If you provide that information in writing, keeping a copy or proof of delivery can create a record of when the agency received it.
When can a collector still communicate with you?
Legal representation does not completely prevent direct communication. The collection agency may communicate with you directly if your lawyer agrees or does not respond after the collector gives them a reasonable amount of time to do so.
If you start the conversation, the collector may also respond. However, that does not automatically end the protections you have because a lawyer represents you.
What if direct contact continues?
If direct contact continues, keeping detailed records can show when the calls or messages occurred and what was said. Helpful documentation may include:
Call logs and voicemails
Emails, text messages or letters
Dates and times of conversations
Proof that the collector received your lawyer’s contact information
Maryland consumers can file complaints about regulated collection agencies with the Maryland Office of Financial Regulation or the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
When continued contact raises questions
The circumstances can determine whether the collection agency had the right to communicate with you. If you are unsure whether the contact followed the law, a consumer rights attorney can review what the agency knew, when they learned about your representation and why they contacted you. That review can help you understand what options may be available if the contact appears improper.]]>On Behalf of Santoni, Vocci & Ortega, LLC<![CDATA[Can a business charge you for a service you never authorized?]]>https://www.svolaw.com/?p=480972026-09-09T09:30:17Z2026-09-09T09:30:17ZWhen an unexpected charge may be unlawful
A business may have permission to charge you if you agreed to the service through a contract, subscription or clearly disclosed recurring-payment arrangement. Problems can arise when a company adds a service you did not request, hides important terms or treats your silence as permission without properly explaining the arrangement.
Maryland's consumer protection law prohibits unfair or deceptive practices involving consumer services. A charge for an unwanted service may raise concerns when the business misrepresented what you were buying or failed to provide important information needed to understand the transaction.
Federal consumer protections can also address recurring charges. Federal guidance explains that businesses using automatic billing generally must clearly disclose important terms and obtain appropriate consent before charging consumers.
What to do after an unauthorized charge
If you see a charge you do not recognize, take steps to document what happened. Consider the following:
Review your contract, receipts and account terms to confirm whether you agreed to the service.
Save emails, text messages, screenshots and billing statements related to the charge.
Ask the business to explain the charge and provide a refund if you did not authorize it.
Contact your bank or card issuer if the business does not resolve the issue.
File a complaint with the appropriate consumer protection agency if the dispute remains unresolved.
Keep records of your communications and any response you receive. These records can help you understand what happened and determine your next steps.
An unfamiliar charge does not automatically mean a business acted unlawfully. The key question is whether you actually agreed to the service and whether the business clearly explained the terms before charging you. Reviewing your records and acting promptly can help you understand your rights and challenge charges you never authorized.]]>On Behalf of Santoni, Vocci & Ortega, LLC<![CDATA[What to do when a company fails to honor advertised promotions]]>https://www.svolaw.com/?p=480962026-08-30T20:20:52Z2026-08-30T20:20:52ZWhat legal protections may apply?
Many states prohibit deceptive trade practices, but the exact rules depend on the jurisdiction. Under Maryland law, businesses are strictly prohibited from using false or misleading statements to advertise promotions they do not intend to honor. Maryland's Consumer Protection Act specifically prohibits bait-and-switch advertising. A business that advertises a promotion it does not intend to honor may be violating the act, which provides remedies for affected consumers.
Fine print should not mislead consumers or contradict the main promotion. If a business refuses to honor a promotion misleadingly or deceptively, you may have a claim under applicable consumer protection laws.
How to document the issue
Take photos of the ad before leaving the store. Capture any signs, flyers or website screenshots showing the promotion. Save your receipt and note the date, time and location of the transaction.
Write down the names of workers you spoke with. Record what they told you about why the promotion did not apply. This evidence can strengthen a complaint or support a legal claim later.
Steps to resolve a promotional advertising dispute in Maryland
Contact the store manager first. Many promotion disputes resolve quickly when a supervisor reviews the situation. If the manager does not help, file a complaint with the appropriate state consumer protection agency, such as the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
You may also consider small claims court if the amount in dispute is within the court’s limits. Keep all records organized and dated, noting when each piece of evidence was collected. State agencies may investigate deceptive advertising complaints and, in some cases, seek penalties or other remedies.
What to do if the promotion is still not honored
If the store still will not honor the offer, keep your records and note each step you took to resolve the issue. Those documents can help support a complaint, small claims filing or other claim under the applicable consumer protection law.]]>by Santoni, Vocci & Ortega, LLC<![CDATA[Can tenants sue for false accusations of property damage?]]>https://www.svolaw.com/?p=480952026-08-10T09:22:20Z2026-08-10T09:22:20ZWhen can tenants take legal action against false damage claims?
Maryland tenants may have legal options when false damage claims cause money losses or other harm. For example, a tenant may challenge unfair security deposit deductions when a landlord charges for damage the tenant did not cause. Additionally, false statements shared with future landlords or others may harm a tenant’s reputation, making it difficult to find housing. The Maryland Consumer Protection Act limits certain unfair or misleading practices by landlords. Tenants may report deceptive conduct to the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division or seek recovery for proven losses.
Steps to protect tenant rights after a false damage claim
A false damage claim can create stress and financial loss for Maryland tenants. An attorney can help review the situation, collect proof and explain possible legal options.
Steps that may help protect tenant rights include:
Property records: Photos, videos, inspection reports and repair records can show the condition of the rental home and help dispute false damage claims.
Written communication: Emails, texts and written notices can provide a clear record of damage disputes, security deposit issues and landlord responses.
Consumer protection review: An attorney can determine whether a landlord’s actions involve unfair or deceptive practices under Maryland law.
Legal options: An attorney can help evaluate claims for financial losses, improper security deposit deductions and other possible damages.
Filing complaints or lawsuits: Legal guidance can help tenants understand options such as filing a complaint or pursuing a claim.
An attorney’s guidance and the appropriate records can help Maryland tenants protect their rights after a false property damage accusation.
Fighting unfair property damage claims
A home should feel safe, not become a source of stress after moving out. Getting the right support can help reduce stress and help protect tenant interests. An experienced attorney can review the facts, challenge unfair claims and work toward a fair result.]]>On Behalf of Santoni, Vocci & Ortega, LLC<![CDATA[Can your landlord send disputed charges to collections?]]>https://www.svolaw.com/?p=480942026-07-23T14:25:44Z2026-07-23T14:25:44ZWhy do rental charges become disputed?
Security deposits are a common source of disagreement after a tenant moves out. Maryland law generally requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions and return any remaining security deposit within the applicable statutory timeframe.
Disputes start when tenants receive invoices and believe that the landlord charged them for ordinary wear and tear, old issues or repairs for damages they did not cause. When the landlord believes that the security deposit does not cover the amount owed by the tenant, they might seek payment for the remaining balance.
What happens after a debt goes to collections?
Landlords can attempt to recover money they believe is legitimately owed. When a collection agency gets involved, both federal law and the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act limit what collectors can do.
For example, a collection agency might use false and misleading information when they attempt to collect a debt. Keeping records of the dispute may help if a tenant believes that the amount being collected from them is incorrect.
What records should tenants keep?
A disputed rental charge is easier to evaluate when the facts are well documented. Helpful records may include:
Lease agreements
Security deposit statements
Move-in and move-out photos or videos
Repair invoices or maintenance records
Emails, letters or collection notices
These records can give valuable context if questions arise about the balance the landlord is trying to collect.
What can tenants do before responding to a collection notice?
A collection notice does not automatically mean every charge is accurate. The landlord and collection agency might believe that the tenant still owes the money. At the same time, the tenant might have a reason to question the amount. Taking a closer look at the charges and comparing them with the lease, deposit records and other documents can help tenants decide how to respond.
If the question remains unanswered if the charges are valid or have already been sent to collections, speaking with a landlord-tenant attorney can help tenants better understand their rights and available options. Addressing questions about disputed charges early may help tenants avoid unnecessary complications.]]>On Behalf of Santoni, Vocci & Ortega, LLC<![CDATA[Apartment fees tenants should watch for]]>https://www.svolaw.com/?p=480932026-07-16T14:17:29Z2026-07-16T14:17:29ZApartment fees that can raise questions
The name of a fee does not always explain why you owe it or how your landlord calculated the amount. Several types of apartment charges can raise questions when the lease or monthly bill does not clearly explain their purpose:
Administrative or service fees: A broad label can make it difficult to identify the specific service covered by the charge.
Utility charges: Some apartment buildings divide shared utility costs among tenants. Specific disclosure requirements apply when landlords use a ratio utility billing system.
Trash or pest control fees: These recurring charges may appear as separate monthly costs even when you cannot decline the service.
Amenity fees: A property manager may charge for building services or features regardless of whether you use them.
New fees during a lease: Charges that appear after the lease begins can raise questions about whether the rental agreement authorizes them.
The type of fee is only part of the issue. When the charge appeared, what it covers and the method your landlord used to calculate it can provide additional context about the amount on your bill.
Local rules can affect some apartment fees
Some local laws impose separate limits on rental fees. In Prince George's County, for example, landlords of units covered by the county's rent stabilization law face specific limits on certain fees for services and amenities.
This example shows why a charge may raise different legal issues depending on the rules that apply to the rental property. A monthly bill may identify a charge as a service or amenity fee, but the label alone does not establish whether a legal limit applies.
When a small fee becomes a larger billing dispute
A $25 or $50 monthly fee can accumulate into a substantial amount over the course of a lease. If your landlord claims that you failed to pay those charges, the fees may become part of a larger disputed balance. A property manager may later send the claimed debt to collections.
Your lease and billing history can show when the fee began, how your landlord described it and whether the amount changed over time. When an apartment fee leads to a disputed balance, a tenants' rights attorney can assess the charge and explain which rental laws may apply.]]>On Behalf of Santoni, Vocci & Ortega, LLC<![CDATA[How to document debt collector threats and harassment in Maryland]]>https://www.svolaw.com/?p=480922026-07-03T14:56:25Z2026-07-03T14:56:25ZIf a collector’s conduct feels aggressive or unfair, clear documentation can help show what happened. Before filing a complaint or speaking with an attorney, consider preserving these key items:
1. Call logs
Write down the date, time, phone number, company name and representative’s name, along with a brief summary of what the collector said, especially if they used threats, abusive language or pressure tactics.
2. Letters and written messages
Keep collection letters, emails, text messages, social media messages and envelopes. These materials may help establish what the agency claimed, when it contacted you and whether it accurately identified the debt, balance or original creditor.
3. Voicemails and call details
Save any voicemail that includes threats, abusive language or claims about arrest, lawsuits or wage garnishment. Be careful with live call recordings. Maryland generally requires all parties to consent before recording a private call, so written notes and saved voicemails are usually safer forms of documentation.
4. Payment and account history
Keep payment confirmations, bank records, old statements and contracts that may show the correct balance. These documents may help you compare the collector’s claims against your own account history.
5. Credit report copies
Save credit report copies showing disputed balances, unfamiliar accounts or collection entries you do not recognize. Screenshots and dated copies can help show when the issue appeared.
Protecting yourself from collection abuse
Together, these records can create a clearer timeline of what the collector did and how the conduct affected you. Debt collection can make you feel rushed into responding or paying. Organized records may help you evaluate whether to file a complaint, dispute the debt or seek legal guidance.]]>On Behalf of Santoni, Vocci & Ortega, LLC<![CDATA[What to do if your landlord is trying to evict you illegally?]]>https://www.svolaw.com/?p=480902026-06-26T12:12:00Z2026-06-26T11:54:33ZWhat are considered illegal eviction tactics?
In Maryland, a landlord cannot simply lock a tenant out. The law strictly prohibits landlords from taking matters into their own hands. Changing the original locks, cutting off water and electricity and removing belongings from the residence are all examples of prohibited self-help eviction tactics. These actions are intended to force a tenant out and directly violates the state law.
Generally, a landlord may remove a tenant from a property only by obtaining a court order, typically a Warrant of Restitution executed by a sheriff or court constable. The only exception is when a tenant has clearly abandoned or voluntarily surrendered the property. In that case, the landlord may be able to retake possession without going through the formal eviction process.
What are the rights of a Maryland tenant?
Tenants in Maryland possess clearly defined legal rights:
The right to a formal eviction process: A landlord must obtain a judgment from the District Court before an eviction can occur.
The right to receive proper written notice: Before filing for eviction, a landlord must typically provide the tenant with formal written notice.
The right to a safe and habitable living space: A landlord cannot constructively evict a tenant by refusing to make necessary repairs or maintain a livable environment.
These protections provide tenants with the legal grounds necessary to contest wrongful evictions, file counterclaims for damages or request a stay of execution from a judge.
What are the immediate steps to take after a self-help eviction?
If a tenant believes their landlord is attempting an illegal eviction, they should act quickly to protect their rights. First, they must document everything by taking photos or videos, saving all emails or text messages and keeping a detailed log of events. Next, the tenant must inform the landlord in writing that their actions are illegal. Finally, tenants can better protect themselves from unlawful removal by seeking legal help.
]]>On Behalf of Santoni, Vocci & Ortega, LLC<![CDATA[When a creditor contacts you about a deceased loved one’s debt]]>https://www.svolaw.com/?p=480862026-06-11T12:24:45Z2026-06-11T12:24:45ZDetermine personal liability first
When a creditor contacts you about a deceased loved one’s death, it is crucial to avoid making any payments. Paying that debt can be interpreted that you are acknowledging it, potentially making you personally liable.
In Maryland, you are generally only responsible for a loved one’s debt if you co-signed for the loan or credit line or were a joint account holder. If you are the surviving spouse, you are generally not responsible for the debt unless it was shared between you during your marriage.
Direct creditors to the estate
After your loved one passes, their estate can pay for their remaining debt. If the decedent’s assets are going through a probate, you can pass contact details of the executor and the estate's case number to the creditor.
Request the debt details in writing
If you are unsure of the debt’s legitimacy, you can demand a debt validation letter from the collection agent. By law, they must provide you with written proof of the debt, the amount owed and the name of the original creditor.
Exercise your right to silence
Under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you have the right to tell a collector to stop contacting you. Once you notify them in writing that you no longer want them to get in touch with you, they must cease communicating with you.
Additionally, the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act (MCDCA) provides additional protections against intimidation and threats. If a collector threatens to sue you personally for a debt you do not owe, they may be violating state laws.
Safeguarding you from harassment
Dealing with unfair debt collection tactics after a family member’s passing is a burden you do not have to carry alone. You should not have to use your own inheritance or savings to settle dues that are not yours. Seeking legal guidance can help you protect your loved one's assets and your own financial well-being.]]>