How to Prove Landlord Harassment in Maryland

Living with a landlord who repeatedly disturbs, threatens, or discriminates against you can be stressful and, in some cases, unlawful. If you’re experiencing potential landlord harassment in Maryland, it’s important to know what actions qualify as harassment, what proof you’ll need, and how to protect yourself using the right legal process. This guide walks you through a tenant-friendly checklist, shares Maryland’s official complaint forms, and links you to trusted housing authorities for support.

What Counts as Landlord Harassment in Maryland?

Maryland law protects tenants from landlord harassment, which may include any repeated or serious behaviors meant to pressure, threaten, or bully you into leaving or giving up your rights. Examples can include:

• Unlawful entry without notice
• Shutting off utilities or failing to make necessary repairs to force you out
• Making threats, intimidation, or using discriminatory language
• Raising rent or starting eviction because you complained about living conditions or exercised your legal rights

The Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-208.1 gives tenants important protections against these practices.^[1] If you file a complaint or assert your renter rights, your landlord cannot legally retaliate against you.

Tenant Checklist: Gathering Evidence of Harassment

Building a strong case is easier when you collect clear evidence. Here is a practical checklist Maryland renters can follow:

• Document Everything: Write down dates, times, and descriptions of each incident. Save texts, emails, voicemails, and letters from your landlord.
• Keep Repair Requests: Save copies of requests made for repairs or reporting unsafe conditions.
• Record Witnesses: If neighbors or others witnessed harassment, ask them for a written statement.
• Photo or Video Evidence: Take photos or videos of damages, notices left by the landlord, or evidence of utility shut-offs.
• Maintain a Timeline: Create a written timeline of all relevant events.

Filing a Complaint: Key Forms & How to Use Them

In Maryland, tenants can file formal complaints through county or city housing offices or escalate cases to the courts if needed. Common forms used include:

• District Court Complaint for Tenant's Rights (DC-CV-082): Use this to file a claim against a landlord for wrongful acts, such as harassment or retaliation. For example, if your landlord locked you out after you complained about repairs, you’d fill out and file this form at the District Court located in your county.
  Official DC-CV-082 Form (PDF)
• Help for Housing Complaints: Many renters may also report harassment to their local housing department, such as the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Contact your county's housing office for area-specific complaint processes.

The Maryland District Court handles most residential tenancy legal actions, including those involving landlord harassment.

Action Steps: What to Do If You're Experiencing Harassment

Briefly, here’s how you can respond if you believe your landlord is harassing you in Maryland:

• Start a harassment incident log and save evidence right away.
• Send a written notice to your landlord asking them to stop—keep a copy for your records.
• File a formal complaint (using DC-CV-082) at the District Court if the harassment continues or escalates.
• Contact your county housing office or DHCD to report the issue and seek further support.

Following these steps not only builds a record but also shows good faith effort in resolving the issue before resorting to legal action.

FAQ: Common Questions About Landlord Harassment in Maryland

1. What is considered landlord harassment under Maryland law?
   Landlord harassment can include repeated threats, illegal entry, cutting services, or retaliation after you assert your tenant rights. It is prohibited by Maryland law.
2. How do I prove my landlord is retaliating against me?
   Keep written evidence of all interactions, document complaints you made, and compare timelines to show the retaliation followed your protected activity.
3. Which official body handles harassment complaints?
   Most tenant-landlord disputes, including harassment claims, are handled by the Maryland District Court. Complaints may also be reported to local housing departments.
4. What form should I use to file a harassment case in court?
   Maryland tenants can use Form DC-CV-082 (Complaint for Tenant's Rights) to bring claims in District Court.
5. Can my landlord evict me for reporting them?
   Maryland law makes it illegal to evict a tenant as retaliation for a good faith complaint or legal action regarding your rights.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Gathering clear documentation is crucial to proving landlord harassment in Maryland.
• Use the official DC-CV-082 form to file a complaint in District Court if needed.
• Contact local housing agencies for support and know your rights under the Maryland Code.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland District Court: Landlord-Tenant Resources
• Maryland Courts Self-Help: Landlord-Tenant Issues
• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
• Maryland Attorney General: Consumer Protection Landlord-Tenant Guide
• Your county's local housing enforcement office

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1. Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-208.1 – Retaliatory Actions Prohibited
2. Maryland District Court – Landlord-Tenant Information
3. Maryland District Court Form DC-CV-082 – Complaint for Tenant's Rights
4. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

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