Columbia MD Eviction Lawyers

Evictions cannot occur without reason. A landlord must have a legal cause to begin the eviction process against any tenant. This legal cause is generally based on the fact that the tenant has failed in his or her obligations per the rental agreement or lease.

Common reasons for an eviction can include (but are not limited to):

• The tenant has failed to pay rent in a timely manner or has not paid any rent at all
• The tenant has failed to leave the rental unit after the expiration of a lease
• The tenant has violated some part of the lease or rental agreement, such as engaging in behavior that disturbs or endangers the safety of others
• The tenant has physically damaged the rental unit or premises
• The tenant has engaged in criminal activity on the premises
• The tenant has sublet the rental unit to someone else without the landlord’s permission or knowledge

In the case of any non-compliant tenant, a landlord in Maryland cannot “self-evict” a tenant by changing the locks on the property, having utilities turned off, or removing a tenant’s belongings to the street. Under Maryland law, such actions are illegal.

The entire process can only be done by filing the correct documents with the court and going through the procedure that follows under the guidance of the Sheriff’s Department. The process begins with a 14-day written notice, which must be mailed to the tenant stating the proposed date of the eviction. An additional notice must be posted seven days prior to the eviction. Certificates of mailing and Affidavits of Posting must also be retained. Once an eviction is accomplished, any personal property left behind by a tenant must be removed and handled according to state and local law.

Tenants Can Fight Back

Even where a landlord has a legal cause to proceed with an eviction, a tenant can contest the eviction in court. Valid defenses can include the landlord failing to maintain the property, such as failing to handle fire hazards, rodent infestations, structural defects, malfunction of supplied appliances, and more. Other defenses can be based on the landlord’s failure to properly follow the eviction procedures or discrimination against the tenant based on race, religion, gender, and other protected characteristics.

Get Capable Legal Guidance from Ward & Co Law

Eviction is a legal process that must be conducted according to law. Our firm can provide the oversight you need to ensure that your case moves forward properly. Our attorneys are well-versed in the local eviction process and will do everything possible to protect your interests.

Phone our offices at (410) 775-5955 or contact us online to request to speak with one of our attorneys today.