Maryland Eviction Notice Forms – PDF Templates
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Landlords cannot evict tenants by themselves. If a tenant does not follow the guidelines in the lease or any rule or law made by the State, they must undergo a specific legal procedure to enable the sheriff to evict tenants. The eviction process in Maryland is easier for landlords than in many other states. It usually begins with notifying tenants of the eviction.
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How to Evict a Tenant in Maryland – Process
In Maryland, for cases where the tenant fails to pay rent, the owner is not required to notify the tenant before filing an eviction action unless there’s a written lease stating otherwise. It could benefit the owner to notify the tenant, however, because if the tenant does pay the rent, the owner may avoid paying numerous court fees the eviction process requires.
Owners must give 30-day notices if the tenant breaches another part of the lease or the lease has expired. If the breach constitutes a danger to the property or a serious criminal offense, however, the owner may use a 14-day notice. The sheriff or the owner may serve the tenant the notice in writing, or if the tenant is absent, they may post it in a conspicuous location and mail another copy to them.
- 2. Wrongful Detainer Lawsuit
If the tenant remains in the property, landlords may then file a Wrongful Detainer Complaint and Summons at their local court. The sheriff will serve these documents to the tenant.
Tenants need not answer the Complaint in writing, but they must attend the hearing specified in the Summons if they wish to contest the eviction.
At the hearing, the landlord must prove that the tenant violated the lease, did not pay rent, or that the lease expired, in addition to showing they properly provided notice if notice was required.
The tenant may present his or her case as well. For example, the tenant could argue the notice wasn’t properly served, or that rent was paid on time.
If the judge rules in the owner’s favor, the owner may obtain a Warrant of Restitution, which would enable the sheriff to physically remove the tenant. However, tenants may appeal the decision within four days of the ruling for nonpayment cases and within 10 days for other eviction cases.
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