Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

vacation rental

how do i address the issue of a landlord claiming damages from a pet that the landlord says stunk the place up.

the unit stunk when we arrived and we did not have written permission to bring the dog but were under the impression that the security deposit of 250.00 dollars would be assessed 100.00 dollars if there were any problems.

now the landlord says that her cleaning lady told her that it would take 3 hours to clean the unit and that they were going to have the carpets cleaned, this unit is less than 700 square feet in size.

fact is we left the place better than we found it, and if there was an odor as the landlord claims then that could be due to the fact that we left almost three full days before we had to and the unit was closed up air tight, there is no air conditioning at all and no recirculation of air in the unit. the unit sits some 50 feet from the shores of the lake we stayed at and the average temperature was low 90's.


Asked on 7/27/99, 9:56 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: vacation rental

Your question was unclear as to whether you had discussed the plan to bring your dog on the property with the owner. Pets usually aren't allowed in vacation rentals that turn over regularly during the summer, because of the extra risk and expense involved. However, usually NO PETS is specified in the lease.

If you didn't have a "No Pets" rule, you were entitled to bring your dog, but of course then became responsible for any extra expense that involved. I do not understand your reference to only being responsible for $100 of the total security deposit. Was this something you and the owner agreed upon in advance as an extra charge for having to clean up after your dog? Otherwise, why would you have to post a $250 security deposit if you were only to be charged $100 for damages.

Unfortunately, if the landlord refuses to return your deposit, you would be forced to go back to the county where the property is located to go to small claims court--probably not worth your inconvenience. Maybe there is some real estate management board that can serve to arbitrate this kind of dispute. Good Luck!

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Answered on 7/29/99, 3:19 pm


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