Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Maryland

I am a tenant in a single family home, renting with 2 other friends, in Montgomery County, Maryland. Shortly after we signed the lease and moved in we discovered that the landlord's father-in-law is living in the basement of the home. He has a separate entrance and no access to our part of the home. However, we are subsidizing his utility usage and he has independent control of a thermostat, full bath, refrigerator, and washer/dryer. We feel misled by signing a lease and agreeing to pay utilities because we did not expect to be paying for the utilities of a 4th person. Our landlord does not see this as an issue. Is there anything we can do?

Asked on 5/01/10, 6:10 am

Paula McGill Attorney at Law

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I would have to see the lease to adequately advise you.

Did the lease allow you full access to the basement?

If so, he is violating the lease by having another person in the house.

When the lease said you are responsible for the utilities, do you have to pay him or the utility company?

Again, there are several questions regarding this particular issue.

LICENSED AND PRACTICING IN THE BALTIMORE METRO AREA AND THE DC/MARYLAND SUBURBS.

Answered on 5/07/10, 7:20 am

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