Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

Third party fails to pay rent

I live with 2 others in an apartment of which we all signed the lease agreement. The third person lost his job several weeks ago, and now has failed to pay his portion of the rent. He has also ''disappeared'' and left us to pay his portion of the rent. At what point could I have the locks changed so he cannot enter the apartment when we are working during the day? It appears that he comes in when we are at work to pick up clothing and ''hang out''. If he isn't paying rent we don't want him here period. Do we have any imediate recourse or are we stuck paying for him for a certain period of time? At what point can we sell some of his belongings for much needed help with the rent? As you can imagine...this is extremely frustrating and financially very difficult. Thank you...Mike


Asked on 8/15/01, 9:39 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Third party fails to pay rent

First of all, you will have to get the landlord's permission to change the locks, as he/she needs to have access to the apartment. If the landlord doesn't want you to change the main lock, maybe he'll let you add a second lock as long as you provide him with a key. You can also sue your deadbeat roommate for his share but since he's presently unemployed that's probably not going to get you anywhere. If you sequester his belongings, do so only if you're able to lock him out, since if he gets in and finds what you've done, he's liable to retaliate. Your best bet is to try and find a replacement roommate ASAP and then clear his things out, but try and give him some warning so he can pick them up and not risk loss or damage.

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Answered on 8/16/01, 3:15 pm


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