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Have you been sued by your Landlord or Tenant? Would you like to request that the Courts resolve a dispute between you and a Landlord/Tenant? Below is a
list of common lawsuits between Landlords and Tenants. Under each of the lawsuit headings, is also a list and description of common defenses (arguments by Defendant that show why a judgment should not be entered against him/her). Please click on the links for more information. If you have been served with a complaint and summons. The most important thing to do is to show up at the date, time, and court location stated on the summons. Failure to do so, may result in
judgment being entered against you. For more information, read the article Rent Court and Eviction Cases. If you have additional questions, you can talk to an attorney about any problem concerning a dispute between you and a Landlord or Tenant. For more information, you can read; Getting Legal Help in Maryland. Learn more about Evictions and Failure to Pay Rent Cases During the Judiciary's Phased Reopening Plan Landlord Cause of Action Tenant Causes of Action Failure to Pay Rent: Tenant can be evicted for failing to pay rent. Rent Escrow: Landlord must repair hazardous conditions on property. Breach of Lease: Tenant can be evicted for a breach of lease. Wrongfully Withholding a Security Deposit: Landlord can only withhold security deposit for certain reasons. Wrongful Detainer: Evicting a “Squatter” or uninvited houseguest. Breach of Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment: Serious disruption on property, that interferes with Tenant’s enjoyment of property. Holding Over: Landlord can evict Tenant who remains on property after lease has ended. Retaliation: Landlord cannot evict or reduce services of Tenant as a result of a Tenant complaint if complaint is in the last 6 months. Lawsuits for Money Damages after Tenant Leaves: Common suits include damage to property, and money lost from Tenant breaking the lease. Definition: When a Tenant does not pay rent, a Landlord can ask the court to evict the Tenant and request money damages for rent, late fees and, court costs. Landlord can file complaint immediately after Tenant fails to pay
rent. Landlord’s Initial Steps to Take: Tenant Defenses: Remedies: Definition: When a Tenant breaches the lease, the Landlord may request that the court evict of the Tenant. This process can only be used for seeking an eviction. For obtaining money damages, please see; Lawsuits for Money Damages after Tenant Leaves. Landlord’s Initial Steps to Take: Tenant Defenses: Remedies: Definition: A person living in Landlord’s property without permission (“squatter” or uninvited house guest). Landlord can file a lawsuit against person for money damages and eviction. Landlord’s Initial Steps to Take:
Tenant Defenses:
Remedies:
Holding Over |