Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

First of all, I'm not licensed in MD. Some general information, though. Check w/ your local court - many jurisdictions have landlord-tenant programs offering services like mediation, arbitration, etc.

Hindsight is always 20/20, but for future reference, I send "important correspondence" by certified mail, return receipt requested (it's very inexpensive) or through through FedEx or UPS b/c you receive a signature/delivery confirmation. Alternatively, you could have hand-delivered the notice to the leasing office and had personnel countersign receipt.

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Barbara E. Greening

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I assume your lease contained a provision that says that all notices are to be send first class mail. If so, I suggest you write them a second letter--only this time either hand deliver it or send it certified mail. In the letter, detail the date you sent the nonrenewal letter, that it was addressed in accordance with the requirements of the lease, and that there is a legal presumption that they received it. State in no uncertain terms that you have complied with the lease notice provisions and expect them to fully comply with the security deposit statute (which should be set out in your lease if it's from a commercial management company) as far as post-lease inspections and return of the deposit. State that their failure to do so followed by an attempt to withhold the deposit will generate a law suit for treble damages and attorney fees as called for in the statute. Further, advise them that any attempt on their part to injure your credit score by reporting you as delinquent to a credit bureau will generate a further cause of action for defamation of credit. Tell them you want to end the relationship on a friendly basis, but will not hesitate to assert your rights if necessary.