Table of Contents

Section One: Introduction

Overview History of the Guide

Section Two: Finding a Place to Live

Where to Look Practical Suggestions for Choosing an Apartment Discrimination Credit Checks Tenant Screening Services Application Fees

Section Three: The Rental Agreement or Lease

Types of Agreements Lease Provisions Further Cautions Before Signing

Section Four: The Security Deposit

Maximum Amount Receipt to Tenant Interest on the Deposit List of Existing Damages Inspection of Premises When Moving Out Withholding the Deposit Return of Deposit and Interest Additional Tenant Tips for Getting Back the Deposit

Section Five: Moving In and Paying Rent

Tenant’s Rights If the Apartment Is Occupied Tenant’s Obligation to Pay Rent Rent Increases Rent Control

Section Six: Maintenance, Repairs, and Housing Codes

Tenant Obligations and Responsibilities Landlord Obligations and Responsibilities Getting Repairs on Substandard Housing

Section Seven: Ending the Lease, Moving Out, and Evictions

Moving Out at End of Term Moving Out Prematurely or Subletting Staying After the Lease Expires Eviction for Non-Payment of Rent Retaliatory Eviction

Section Eight: Other Tenant Problems

Changes and Improvements to Rental Property Fire and Other Unavoidable Accident Personal Injuries on the Rental Property Condominium Conversions Death of Landlord or Tenant Sale of Rental Property Landlord’s Right of Entry

Section Nine: Innkeeper-Boarder Relationship

Distinguished from Landlord-Tenant Relationship Differences in the Law Tips for Boarders

Section Ten: Tenant Organizing

The Problem – Why Organize? Strategies and Tactics Tenant Associations

Section Eleven: Additional Resources for Tenants

Landlord-Tenant Negotiation Legal Aid Code Enforcement and Housing Inspections Lawyer Referral Relocation Housing Department of Social Services

Section Twelve: Appendix-Sample Forms

Apartment Checklist Sample Lease Sublet Agreement Lease Termination Agreement Notice of Intent to Vacate and Demand for Return of Security Deposit

If you have any questions or comments about the Maryland Rental Guide feel free to contact Maryland PIRG at (301) 314-8353.

This guide was revised in fall 2000 using several sources from different agencies.

This guide was updated by Nicholas Mendoza, University of Maryland.