Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Maryland

Damages

i moved into an apartment with a roommate already existing on the lease, i never signed a lease.I paid two months rent with personal checks.After the two months, my roommate became verbally abusive to me and physically abusive to my dog.My dog scratched a little paint off some doors and i broke a door casing one night when my roommate locked herself in my room and would not let me in.Upon moving out my roommate locked my property in the apartment and would not permit me to enter until i signed a document stating i would pay for the damages and money i owed her for the cable bill.I only had a half hour left to move or i would be charged, my roommate was yelling at me while i was trying to read the paper, and it was poorly lit.The only reason i signed the paper was because it was the only was i could get my property so i could continue moving and avoid being charged another months rent.My question is: given the conditions under which i signed the document,(not being in a normal mind set or being allowed to read the documentation), and not being under the lease or paying a security deposit; am i legally bound to pay for the damages in the apartment.given that she has little real proof i did them in the first place.thank you very much


Asked on 10/05/04, 12:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alan Albin Alan S. Albin, Attorney at Law

Re: Damages

...But, you're not disputing that you are, in fact, responsible for the damages (chipped paint/broken door casing)?

Even if the agreement you signed is not valid, you would still be potentially responsible for any damages you actually caused.

If you went to court, you would have to testify truthfully.

I strongly recommend that you consult with an attorney immediately so that you can explore your legal rights, obligations, and options. If you wish to discuss retaining my services, contact me at:

[email protected]

(973)-605-8995

(*Licensed in New Jersey, Maryland, and Dist. of Columbia)

[Disclaimer: The above comments are not intended as nor should they be relied upon as "legal advice", which can only be obtained by personal consultation with a retained attorney; at which time the specific facts and circumstances of your case can be thoroughly evaluated. This reply is provided for general informational and educational purposes only, and does not create an attorney-client relationship with the responding attorney.]

Read more
Answered on 10/08/04, 10:55 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Landlord & Tenants questions and answers in Maryland