Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Maryland

Maryland law allows a tenant to pay money into rent escrow if rental conditions are severe and unlivable -- this forces a landlord to fix the conditions and it is up to a judge to decide whether or not the rent is still owed or if the tenant can keep the money. In extreme circumstances, continuing conditions may warrant letting a tenant out of the lease. However, unless the landlord consents or the lease is otherwise properly terminated the tenant may be on the hook for unpaid rent.

What is "severe" and "unhabitable" will depend on the circumstances. It also depends on the area, whether the premises were delivered pest-free or got that way during the tenancy. Document the conditions with photographs if possible. However, mice are relatively common and if the landlord / property manager gets an exterminator out within a week of the notification, this may suggest reasonable efforts to deal with the problem.

You are encouraged to review your lease to see what it says about pest control. Also, it is a good idea to dialogue with the landlord - in some cases the parties can reach agreement about a move-out without going to the courts. You may also want to consider the possibility of filing for rent escrow.

While I hope the general legal information above helps, please understand that it is not legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship. You are encouraged to contact an attorney of your choosing for advice and/or representation as necessary.