Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

Suspected Tampering by Tenants

As landlords of a high end rental home, we spent $3,000 to have the electrical system made safe the beginning of 2002. Shortly thereafter, we highly suspect our disgruntled tenants tampered with the electrical outlets to create dangerous conditions which resulted in melted receptacles and a surprise inspection by the County inspectors, putting us in a tough situation, not too mention dangerous situation to life and property. For the sake of brevity, I have provided what I think is the basic story. My question would be 1)would there be a way to prove criminal action and 2) can we evict them on this pretense or is there another way to severe our contractual relationship to them because of the threat of further serious problems? Please help if you can. Thank you in advance for any information you might provide.


Asked on 7/27/02, 12:32 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lawrence Holzman Holzman Law Firm, LLC

Re: Suspected Tampering by Tenants

I have represented many persons who own rental properties in potomac, bethesda and other up-scale neighborhoods in the DC area. Some of the issues are unique.

Generally speaking, it is a difficult problem to actually prove intentional actions such as you describe with the electrial outlets and tampering. Nonetheless, if your lease provides appropriate language, you may be able to bring a breach of lease case and attempt to remove the tenants. This may be costly with uncertain results.

However, there may be other methods to obtain your goal of getting rid of these tenants. When does the lease expire? How is the rental payment history? I'd need to look at the lease and talk to you to get other ideas.

Please feel free to call if you'd like to chat.

Lawrence R. Holzman, Esquire

Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, P.A.

6404 Ivy Lane, Suite 400

Greenbelt, MD 20770

(301) 220-2200

fax (301) 220-1214

Disclaimer: Please note that the posting of this response is not intended to constitute legal advice. You should contact an attorney to obtain information applicable to your situation. This posting is not confidential or privileged and does not create an attorney/client relationship.

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Answered on 7/29/02, 8:23 am


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