Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

I signed a 2-year lease with my landlord in Baltimore County. The lease does not include a clause about early termination, penalty fees, etc... When I asked about it, he said he would add an addendum later, but it's after the move-in date and I still haven't received it.

Now that I've moved in, I've noticed there is mold growing through the porous cinder blocks along a wall in the basement and mold another room. I've notified him about this, and he says he will only wipe it with bleach and doesn't seem to be concerned about addressing the source of this mold problem.

I've now been having headaches, sneezing, and other sinus effects after moving in. I suspect it's from the musty smell and the mold in the air.

My question is, what will happen if I try to terminate the lease now only days after I have moved in when no details about early termination were on the written lease?


Asked on 7/25/10, 9:48 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sean T. Morris Law Office of Sean T. Morris

Mold can present a very serious health problem and you should take this situation seriously. You should consider contacting the county board of health and see if they will come and investigate. If you decide you cannot live there anymore, you should have a lawyer review your lease and advise you as to whether, and how, you can depart the premises with the least liability to you as possible. You do not want to get more sick by staying in the apartment, but you also do not want to risk the landlord taking you to court for damages -- i.e. all the rent he loses by you moving out. Please feel free to email me (smorris@milesstockbridge) if you have any follow-up questions. Good luck.

Read more
Answered on 7/26/10, 8:09 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Real Estate and Real Property questions and answers in Maryland