Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

Re: Partial Payment of Rent

First, let's be clear. Your landlord filed for and received a judgement. He/she need not file again for another judgment.

Where the judgment allowed for partial payment, such shall be honored fully within the law. But you did not indicate that partial or staggared payment was part of the judgment. Essentially, the landlord's payment is due upon and in accordance with judgment.

Now comes practical matters. If the landlord agreed to the terms you stated, then the landlord should keep to them. However, unless these terms where part of the judgment or otherwise reduced to writing then you have little basis to protect yourself except to pay the judgment in full in accordance with it terms.

The landlord may bring a claim for possession of the propery (i.e., eviction) however you have a statutory right to make good on the rent as due under contract (see my responses to other LawGuru questions).

To protect yourself, you must first satisfy the outstanding judgment. Be sure to remit this payment and retain appropriate documentation of payment remission (again, see my responses to other inquiries for further guidance). Dismissal of the judgment should then be sought. Your credit score may be adversely affected as a result of this matter.

If you require assistance with this or any other legal matter, feel free to contact me at (410) 799-9002.