Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Maryland
We signed a lease in Cecil County, MD on a house commencing August 1, 2011 for $1000.00 per month. Our lease stated to give 60 days notice of intent to not renew the lease. On May 30, 2012, our landlord contacted us via text message to see if we wanted to renew the lease, and we said yes. The landlord promised that the lease was on it's way, then never sent it. The lease was finally received on June 29, 2012 with a new rent amount filled in of $1400.00 per month. So, our landlord increased our rent by 400.00 per month (which is a huge rent increase...40%), and gave us 32 days notice of a rent increase to commence on August 1, 2012. We cannot afford $1400.00 per month and do not wish to renew/sign the lease. Can we give 60 days notice now that we are going to move out (September 5th) and are we obligated to pay the $1400.00 for the month of August for the landlord's failure to give us adequate notice of the rent increase allowing us to decide whether or not to renew 60 days prior to the end of the original lease? I have tried contacting several attorneys (hubby is a member of Hyatt Legal Group Plan), but the ones I have tried are either on vacation this week or at a conference. We are trying to make an educated decision and move swiftly on this, but want to make sure we are going about it the right way. Thank you for any advice.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Some of the answer would be in the lease. Does it have a provision for increase in rent if you renew the lease? If so what are the provisons and what requirements does the landlord have. If nothing in the lease with regard to increase then what has been presented we seem to be more an offer for a new lease and not a renewal.
Contacting the landlord to discuss may be helpful if you have not already.
best of luck
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