Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland

Being Sued by Previous Tenant

I gave my Tenant 30 days to vacate. I did not wait the 30 days, to throw him out. I threw him out on Dec.31. I packed all his stuff in two boxes and one bag,and set it to the side of the house. Police Officer said, I had to change the lock back.And I had to,let him move back in, which I did change lock back.But on the same day, he has sister come and move his stuff out, so it didn't cost him anything.Now he's trying to sue me for moving expenses & damages. No he did not pay be a security depoist or the Jan.rent.He left the room in such a mess, it took me appx. 5 hours to clean it.Trying to sue for $2,500 + $380. His rent was only $360 per month for a one room.Bein he decided not to move his stuff back in. I don't see where I have to pay him.Police told him he could move his stuff back in. But he choose to take his stuff and leave. Can you help? No I can't afford a lawyer. All I'm getting is a child support check, right now I'm not working but looking for a job. Thank You


Asked on 1/24/07, 6:37 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Being Sued by Previous Tenant

You shouldn't be liable for moving expenses, since any such that he incurred would have been incurred later had you gone through the eviction process. You might be liable for damages to his property if it sustained any while it was outside the house before the sister came and retrieved it, but from the facts you presented, it sounds like that most likely didn't happen. If you incurred any expenses beyond reasonable wear and tear that he caused to the premises, you could countersue him for those if you have to go to court.

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Answered on 1/25/07, 9:41 am
Lawrence Holzman Holzman Law Firm, LLC

Re: Being Sued by Previous Tenant

If he has already sued you, you should file a counter-claim against him for the value of the rent that he failed to pay and for any damages or costs that he caused.

I presume that you had no written lease. I suspect that when this goes to court and you tell your side to the judge and ask for the rent to be paid, and he tells his story, the judge will send everyone on their way with empty hands. That is, nobody will get anything.

best of luck.

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Answered on 1/25/07, 10:38 am


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