Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

Landlord not making repairs

About eight months ago I informed my landlord that my bedroom ceiling was mildewing. She said it was tar leaking through. I sent a letter to her in January stating the ceiling was now cracking.No response. In April I sent a letter stating the nails were starting to protrude.No response. On April 26 the ceiling fell on my bed while I was laying in it. I called her at least 15 times that day and the next leaving a message each time. She finally answered the phone the second day. She came to look at it. Sent her son to repair it. He didn't, said he would be back the next day. He showed up two days later and put a vent in the roof to stop the moisture, the roof was not leaking there is condensation between roof and ceiling. He left the ceiling as it was. He came back a week later and replaced the fallen drywall but not the rest of the mildewed sections and the drywall was not completed. Is there anything I can do to make her make the repairs without getting evicted and get a rent reduction for not being able to use my bedroom for two weeks and am still afraid to sleep in it for fear the rest of the ceiling will come down.Thank you


Asked on 5/19/99, 10:58 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Susan Zuhowski The Law Offices of Susan Zuhowski, P.A.

Re: Landlord not making repairs

This is a general answer for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Should you desire more information, please make an appointment with an attorney to discuss in greater detail your particular situation.

You may apply to the District Court in your County for a rent escrow order. Once granted, you will be required to pay rent into the court registry, instead of to your landlord. The land- lord will not be entitled to get the money unless and until the required repairs are made to the court's satisfaction. This is often quite effective in getting landlords to make repairs. Your lease may also give you other remedies, but a review of the lease would be necessary to make this determination. You may also bring suit against the landlord for constructive eviction, but this is difficult to succeed on , especially where you remain in the premises as seems to be the case here.

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Answered on 5/26/99, 3:51 pm


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