How to File a Complaint About Your Landlord in Maryland

As a renter in Maryland, understanding your rights is the first step to protecting yourself if you experience issues like unaddressed repairs, improper rent increases, or eviction threats. State law provides renters with avenues to file complaints about legitimate landlord violations. This guide explains your options and connects you to the correct forms, authorities, and resources in Maryland.

Understanding Your Rights as a Renter in Maryland

Maryland law, specifically the Maryland Landlord and Tenant Law, gives renters specific protections around habitability, security deposits, eviction process, and privacy. Common complaint areas include:

• Failure to make essential repairs (such as heat or plumbing)
• Improper retention of security deposits
• Unlawful eviction procedures
• Discrimination or retaliation after exercising your rights
• Unjustified entry or privacy breaches

It's important to review your lease and understand your responsibilities as well.

When and How to File a Complaint Against Your Landlord

If you've tried resolving an issue directly with your landlord and it remains unsolved, you can escalate by filing a complaint with the appropriate Maryland authority. Most complaints involve housing code enforcement, security deposit disputes, or formal legal actions.

Step 1: Document the Problem

• Keep a written record of all communications with your landlord.
• Take photos or videos as evidence, especially for repair or habitability issues.
• Save receipts or bounced checks if your dispute involves money.

Step 2: File with Local Housing Code Enforcement (for Maintenance Issues)

Contact your county or city’s housing code enforcement office if repairs are not being made or your dwelling is unsafe. For Baltimore City residents, you can use the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD).

• Official Form: Online complaint form via your local housing department.
  Example: Baltimore City 311 Housing Complaint Form
• When to Use: If your unit has unsafe conditions or urgent repairs are ignored. For instance, if the heat isn’t working in winter despite multiple requests.

Step 3: File a Complaint with the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division

If your complaint concerns unfair rental practices, security deposits, or lease violations:

• Official Form: Maryland Consumer Complaint Form (Tenant/Landlord)
• When to Use: For example, if a landlord illegally withholds your security deposit after you move out, or violates your lease agreement.
• How to Use: Download, complete, and send the form by mail, email, or fax as directed on the website.

Step 4: File in Maryland District Court (If Legal Action Is Needed)

For serious disputes such as wrongful eviction or rent escrow (when your landlord won't address major repairs), you may need to file a court case.

• Official Tribunal: Maryland District Court (handles landlord-tenant cases)
• Forms: See District Court Landlord-Tenant Forms
• Common Form: Form DC-CV-083: Complaint for Rent Escrow
• When to Use: If you’ve notified your landlord about serious housing conditions and repairs remain unaddressed, you may file this form to pay your rent into escrow until repairs are made.

Summary: Maryland Complaint Process

Many issues are resolved by contacting local housing offices or the Maryland Attorney General first. Legal filings in District Court are a last resort for unresolved or severe disputes.

If you are ever unsure which office to contact, Maryland Legal Aid or your county’s tenant hotline can guide you directly to the right agency or form.

Relevant Tenancy Legislation

All Maryland renters are protected by the Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-203–§ 8-219. This law covers security deposits, repair duties, rent escrow, and more. Reviewing the current Maryland landlord-tenant statutes helps you understand your protections in detail.

FAQ: Maryland Renter Complaints and Protections

1. What issues can I file a formal complaint about in Maryland?
   Maryland renters can file complaints about unaddressed repairs, unsafe housing, illegal eviction, improper security deposit withholding, discrimination, and breach of lease terms.
2. Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint or go to court?
   No, you are not required to have a lawyer for most complaints or small claims in District Court, but legal help is recommended for complex cases.
3. Can I withhold rent if my landlord won't make repairs?
   Maryland law does not allow automatic rent withholding, but you may file for Rent Escrow in District Court to legally pay rent to the court until issues are resolved.
4. How quickly must my landlord return my security deposit?
   By law, your landlord must return your security deposit within 45 days after you move out, along with an itemized list of deductions if any are taken.
5. Where can I check the status of my complaint?
   You can follow up directly with the agency or court where the complaint was filed—contact info is provided on their official websites.

Key Takeaways for Maryland Renters

• Document your issue and communicate in writing with your landlord first.
• Use your local housing office or the Maryland Attorney General for most complaints.
• Serious disputes may require filing with the Maryland District Court using the correct forms.
• Know your rights under Maryland landlord-tenant law to better protect yourself.

Understanding the process empowers Maryland renters to take confident, effective action when needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland AG: File a Landlord/Tenant Complaint
• MD District Court: Landlord-Tenant Official Forms
• Maryland Legal Aid: Housing Help
• Baltimore City DHCD Renter Resources
• Contact your county or city Housing Code Enforcement office for local repairs/inspections requests

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1. Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-203–§ 8-219: Official landlord-tenant statutes
2. Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division – File a Consumer Complaint (Landlord/Tenant)
3. Maryland District Court – Official Landlord-Tenant Forms
4. Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development: Renter Resources

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