Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

I have been living in a 2-story house with 3 other roommates since October 3rd. I have my own room. There is no written lease, it's month-to-month. I stay in the room downstairs and share the bathroom with the guy across from me (his name is Dan). He has been a nightmare since November. He doesn't like that my girlfriend stays over 2-3 nights a week. He called the landlord over and all of us had a house meeting about the situation. The landlord said he doesn't care if my girlfriend stays over. Dan said he doesn't even notice when my girlfriend and I are there but it's the "principle" of the situation. She doesn't hang out in the common areas, we don't use the kitchen at all, we don't make any noise, and we stay in my room the whole time if we are there. So I discussed it with the roommates and the other two guys said they're cool with it since they don't notice us anyway, it's just Dan with the problem. Before I moved in he said he didn't care. It settled down for a few weeks until today. I went into the bathroom this morning and found actual feces left in the toilet and on the bathroom carpet. I just want to know if there's anything I can do even though there's no written lease?


Asked on 12/30/15, 7:24 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Unfortunately Dan has an equal right to occupy the premises, notwithstanding his disgusting behavior. The landlord could probably go to court to evict him, but I suspect as long as the rent is paid and there aren't damages to the property, he won't want to get involved. Also, there may be an issue as to whether he could evict some but not all of the tenants, which may depend on whether you all entered into one or separate lease "agreements". Would the other two back you up if you confronted Dan about this and gave him an ultimatum to either behave or leave?

Read more
Answered on 12/30/15, 8:48 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Real Estate and Real Property questions and answers in Maryland