How to Report Landlord Harassment in Maryland

If you're a renter in Maryland and experiencing landlord harassment, understanding your rights and options is crucial. Maryland law protects tenants from harassment, retaliation, and unfair treatment. This article explains the steps to report landlord harassment in Maryland, including official forms, authorities, and key resources to help you take action confidently.

What Is Landlord Harassment?

Landlord harassment means your landlord is interfering with your right to privacy or trying to force you to move out or stop exercising your legal rights. Common examples of harassment include:

• Entering your rental unit without proper notice
• Shutting off your utilities intentionally
• Threatening eviction or increasing rent as retaliation
• Refusing necessary repairs or maintenance

Maryland’s Real Property Article § 8-208 and retaliation protections in § 8-208.1 specifically bar these activities.^[1]

How to Document Landlord Harassment

Before filing a complaint, gather evidence whenever possible. Documentation can help authorities understand your experience, making your case stronger.

• Keep written records of every interaction with your landlord
• Save text messages, emails, and letters
• Take dated photographs or videos where appropriate
• Keep copies of any official notices, especially about repairs, rent, or access

Where to Report Landlord Harassment in Maryland

Depending on the situation, several authorities in Maryland may help renters facing landlord harassment:

• Local Code Enforcement or Housing Department: Handles violations of housing codes and some habitability concerns.
• Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division: Investigates unfair rental practices and retaliation.
• Maryland District Court: Handles formal legal actions, such as restraining orders or tenant complaints under landlord-tenant law.^[2]

The Maryland District Court is the main tribunal for tenant-landlord disputes.

Filing a Complaint: Official Forms and How to Use Them

To formally report harassment or retaliation, you'll typically follow these steps and use the following official forms:

1. Complaint for Injunctive Relief (Form DC-CV-082)

When to use: If your landlord is harassing you and you want the court to order them to stop certain actions, such as entering your unit without notice. For example, if a landlord repeatedly enters your apartment without your consent, you can file this form in District Court.

2. Consumer Protection Division Complaint Form

When to use: If your landlord's actions may violate state consumer protection laws (such as retaliation for requesting repairs), you can file this complaint with the Attorney General's office. For instance, if your landlord raises your rent after you reported a code violation, this form can help you seek help from the agency.

3. Local Housing Complaint Forms

Cities and counties often have their own forms to report housing code or harassment violations. Check your local jurisdiction’s website. For example, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development provides links for reporting local housing issues.^[3]

How to Report Landlord Harassment: Step-by-Step

Follow these basic steps to report landlord harassment effectively:

1. Document each incident thoroughly, including times, dates, and evidence (photos or messages).
2. Notify your landlord in writing about the unwanted behavior and request it stop. Keep a copy for your records.
3. File a complaint with the local housing agency or code enforcement office, if applicable.
4. Submit the relevant official forms (see above) to the Maryland District Court or Attorney General as needed.
5. Attend hearings or respond to official communications from the authorities.

Consider seeking legal guidance from a tenant resource center if you are unsure which form to file or need help preparing your complaint.

What Happens After You File a Complaint?

Once you submit your complaint or form, the authority will review your case. You may be contacted for more information or required to attend a hearing. Possible outcomes can include:

• An order instructing the landlord to stop the harassment
• Fines or penalties for your landlord if laws were broken
• Additional monitoring or inspections by local agencies

Timelines can vary—keep copies of everything you file or receive.

FAQ: Maryland Renters and Harassment

1. What is considered landlord harassment in Maryland?
   Harassment includes repeated entry without notice, threats, shutting off utilities, or retaliating against renters who exercise their legal rights.
2. Do I need a lawyer to report landlord harassment?
   No, but legal advice can help. You can file official complaints on your own using the forms listed above or consult a Maryland Legal Aid service for guidance.
3. How do I prove landlord harassment in court?
   Keep detailed records of every incident—include dates, times, photos, and communications. Written documentation is crucial evidence.
4. What should I do if my landlord retaliates after I report them?
   Maryland law prevents retaliation. File a complaint using the Consumer Protection Division form and consider reporting to the District Court as well.
5. Can local housing agencies help with landlord harassment?
   Yes, most county or city housing departments investigate harassment or code violations. Check your local office for complaint forms and support options.

Key Takeaways for Maryland Renters

• Landlord harassment is illegal in Maryland, and renters have strong protections.
• Document every incident and use official forms to report harassment or retaliation.
• The Maryland District Court and Consumer Protection Division are key authorities to assist renters facing landlord issues.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland Attorney General – Landlord/Tenant Protection
• Maryland District Court: Landlord-Tenant Self-Help
• Maryland Courts: Tenant Help Center
• Maryland Legal Aid (free legal help for eligible renters)
• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

---

1. Maryland Real Property Article § 8-208 & § 8-208.1—Tenant Protections
2. Maryland District Court: Landlord-Tenant Law
3. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development – Renter Rights

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations