Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Maryland

I acquired a commercial lease in February but due to the start-up nature of the business was unable to sustain the rental payments. I wrote a notice to the landlord and asked for a reduction in payments until we secured our finances. He was unwilling to extend that request to us. Subsequently, I lost my job in April and we had to absolve the business. However, we agreed to stay thru May at his request. We moved out on May 31 and still owe May's rent. We were contacted by a lawyer on June 4th. And wrote a request for the landlord to take the final payment and security deposit as release from lease. However, they have imposed an additional 2k as a penalty and lawyer fees of 225. Without working and or having any form of income, I am unable to pay. Would you suggest taking out a small loan and or credit card to cover this balance and washing hands of this? would you contest the additional 2k. would you just make payments... not sure how to proceed. Don't want to lose home/ car/ everything... but afraid that the longer this lingers the more fees they will impose. Currently trying to get unemployment but it does not cover my personal expenses... really in a bind.


Asked on 7/04/12, 7:04 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Cedulie Laumann Arden Law Firm, LLC

A critical first question is: who is the tenant? A small business owner's options will vary depending on whether the lease is in the business name, in the individuals name or in the business name with the individual as personal guarantee.

Judgments carry a 10% interest rate in the state of Maryland while obligations for attorney fees and costs of suit will depend on the language of the contract you signed.

You are encouraged to consult with an attorney if you face a threatened lawsuit. An online post cannot adequately address all the questions related to pending litigation.

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Answered on 7/10/12, 10:34 am


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