What to Do When Your Landlord Won’t Make Repairs in Maryland
What to Do When Your Landlord Won’t Make Repairs in Maryland
Living in a rental property with ongoing issues can be frustrating, especially if your landlord is unresponsive to repair requests. Maryland law ensures that tenants have rights, particularly when it comes to habitable living conditions. So, what do you do when your landlord won’t make repairs in Maryland? Whether it’s a leaky roof, broken heater, or plumbing problems, here’s how you can take control of the situation while staying within the law.
1. Understand Your Rights as a Tenant in Maryland
First and foremost, it’s important to understand your rights as a tenant when your landlord won’t make repairs in Maryland. Maryland law requires landlords to maintain rental properties in a safe and habitable condition. This means essentials like heating, plumbing, and roofing must be in working order. If your landlord neglects to make necessary repairs, they’re in violation of Maryland’s implied warranty of habitability.
If your rental is no longer habitable, you have legal grounds to act. However, it’s essential to follow the proper steps to avoid jeopardizing your rights or causing more complications in your rental agreement. Don’t stop paying rent or take matters into your own hands without knowing the legal process first!
2. Notify Your Landlord in Writing (and Keep Records!)
When your landlord won’t make repairs in Maryland, the first step is to notify them in writing. Even if you’ve already mentioned the problem verbally, it’s important to create a written record. Maryland law favors written communication, especially when disputes arise. In your notice, describe the issue in detail, explain how it affects your living conditions, and request repairs by a specific deadline.
Keep a copy of this letter or email, and send it through a traceable method like certified mail. This gives you proof that the landlord was notified in case you need to escalate the matter later. If your landlord continues to ignore your requests, you’ll have documented evidence that you made every effort to resolve the issue.
3. Know Your Options for Withholding Rent
When your landlord won’t make repairs in Maryland, you may have the option to withhold rent—but be careful with this one! Maryland law allows tenants to withhold rent if the landlord refuses to fix serious issues that affect the property’s habitability. However, you can’t just stop paying rent and hope for the best. You must follow a legal process, which typically involves notifying the landlord, giving them time to fix the issue, and then depositing rent into an escrow account.
Rent escrow is a legal mechanism that protects both parties. Instead of paying your landlord directly, you deposit your rent payments into an escrow account with the court. This forces the landlord to resolve the problem if they want to access the funds. The court will also review the case to ensure you’re acting in good faith. Always consult an attorney before withholding rent to make sure you’re following Maryland law.
4. Explore the Option of Making Repairs and Deducting Costs
In Maryland, tenants also have the option to make repairs themselves and deduct the costs from their rent, but this method is tricky. If your landlord won’t make repairs, and you decide to take matters into your own hands, you must follow Maryland’s repair-and-deduct rule. First, you need to provide written notice to the landlord about the necessary repairs and allow them a reasonable amount of time to fix the issue.
If they still fail to act, you can pay for the repairs and subtract the cost from your next rent payment. Make sure to keep all receipts and document the repairs you’ve made. While this is a legal option, it’s advisable to consult with a Maryland tenant attorney beforehand to ensure you’re fully protected under the law.
5. Consider Legal Action with the Help of an Attorney
If your landlord still refuses to make repairs after you’ve followed all the proper steps, it might be time to consider legal action. You have the right to take your landlord to court, and in some cases, you can even terminate your lease early without penalty. Filing a lawsuit can be intimidating, but it may be the only way to ensure your living conditions are restored to a safe and habitable state.
This is where an experienced attorney can help. Attorney Ben Akech has successfully represented tenants in Maryland who were dealing with unresponsive landlords. He understands the challenges tenants face and knows how to navigate the legal process to hold landlords accountable. Whether you’re considering rent escrow, pursuing a repair-and-deduct case, or need to escalate to legal action, Ben Akech’s expertise can make all the difference in achieving a favorable outcome.
6. Final Thoughts: Stay Informed and Stand Up for Your Rights
When your landlord won’t make repairs in Maryland, it’s essential to stay informed and take the right legal steps. Ignoring the problem or retaliating without proper guidance can lead to complications, including eviction. By understanding your rights, keeping records, and exploring your legal options—whether it’s withholding rent or pursuing legal action—you can ensure your landlord is held accountable.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. Attorney Ben Akech has a track record of helping tenants in Maryland stand up for their rights and ensure their rental properties are safe and habitable. If your landlord refuses to act, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal advice and assistance.
