Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Maryland

Failure To Pay Rent

I moved into a single family home on 2/1/2004, at that time I gave the landlord $3000.00. The monthly rent is $1500.00 and the security deposit was the same. The beginning of March I mailed her three money orders in the amoint of $500.00 each for March rent. In the middle of March she started harassing me about not getting the rent. I told her I mailed it. She said she didn't receive it and I had to repay it. I contacted the money order company and they said the money orders had been cashed and that I needed an affidavit from her stating that she didn't cash them. On March 15th she said she took my security deposit to pay the rent. I asked her for the affidavit numerous times and she will not give me one. I got a Failure to Pay Rent posted on my door today by the sheriff (4/1). I have a copy of the money order receipts (as I had to send the originals back to the company for tracing). Can she take me to court for this? Even if she didn't receive them (which I think she did because she won't give me an affidavit) wouldn't this be considered replacing the security deposit not Faliure to Pay Rent? How should I handle my day in rent court?


Asked on 4/01/04, 3:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alton Drew Alton Drew, LLC

Re: Failure To Pay Rent

I recommend bringing a letter from the money order company showing that the money order had been cashed. They should also provide you with copies of the money orders showing the endorser's signature on the back of the money order. I do not know how long it will take but you should get this information from the money order company as soon as possible.

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Answered on 4/02/04, 12:36 am


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