Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

There were squatters living in my condominium who refused to leave when asked. The utilities were cut off due to non payment and they have not lived in the condominium for the past 30 days. However, they refuse to return the keys or remove their belongings. Do I have to give them notice or file any legal documents in the court system before I changed the locks and discard their belongings?


Asked on 4/23/14, 4:14 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

If they had no legal right to be there, they have no right to notice. You can treat their belongings as abandoned property and discard it. You should also proceed to secure the property by changing the locks.

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Answered on 4/24/14, 7:08 am
Cedulie Laumann Arden Law Firm, LLC

The other attorney post makes a good point about abandoned property but please note that formal eviction or other court order may be required EVEN IF the occupants never held a written lease with the current owner.

Depending on how you acquired the property and how the occupants began to live there in the first place and what evidence suggests abandonment the answer may be more complicated. True "squatters" may not have many rights but hold-over tenants, people who moved in with permission, tenants of prior owners, prior owners and the like all require proper procedure to remove.

As with many legal issues it may help to obtain personalized legal advice. While I hope the general information above helps it is not designed to offer specific legal advice on your particular situation.

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Answered on 4/24/14, 7:27 am


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