State Specific Question About: MARYLAND (MD)

I sent my tenants a letter notifying them that they are maintaining the property according to the terms of the lease. They would allow the drains to clog (which is their responsibility) and therefore causing water back-up into the house causing water damage to the ceiling and floors.

This is just 2 of the main concerns causing the most damage to the exterior and interior of the property. They had my property inspected by the housing and I was cited for the damage that their negligence caused with a 15 days to repair it. Anyt thoughts on this?

I sent my tenants a letter notifying them that they are NOT maintaining the property according to the terms of the lease. They would allow the drains to clog (which is their responsibility) and therefore causing water back-up into the house causing water damage to the ceiling and floors.

This is just 2 of the main concerns causing the most damage to the exterior and interior of the property. They had my property inspected by the housing and I was cited for the damage that their negligence caused with a 15 days to repair it. Anyt thoughts on this?

--68.50.171.161

Were you ever notified about the problems in the house? If you were was it in writing? What did you tell the tenants? Depending if it was roots in the lines which is the Landlords responsibility or it was a kids toy and tampons flushed down the toilet which is the tenants responsibility to pay for the plumbing repair. But not on the tenants to call in a plumber.

We need more details.

We need your lease clause language. In order to help you with this.

Tenants will NOT take care of YOUR property. You need to charge more rent to cover the repairs or you risk more damage.

the clause in the lease gives a list of items that the tenant is responsible for such as cutting the grass, removing trash and debris, caulking tubs, making sure that drains inside and outside the doors are clear of debris to prevent the flow of water. The drain coming from the corner of the porch, which is a fire-rated porch because construction begins directly beneath it, was built this way to prevent the water from accumulating and sitting on the porch and it must be kept clear and free of leaves - on a regular basis.

5 days isn't enough time for the LL to respond? Get out of town! (You probably are out of town and out of state is my guess)

That is way way too long to wait before the LL responds. That is a response only not a solution. I don't blame them for calling for a inspection. I am not surprised that the property was cited either.

It maybe in your lease to do all those things.

Most tenants will not do all those things. No way no how.

If you try to evict for that. I would hate to be you when the judge jumps all over you, your lease, and your policies.

Hire someone to do this long list of things to your rental property. Add it to the rent when the lease renews.

Josh, I have been a landlord to that property for over 15 years and I know when a problem occurs as a result of neglect. Our lease which is approved by the laws of the state, indicate that the tenants have to "maintain" the property and it list over 10 maintenance items that are spelled out. The last tenants were there for 4 years - they swept the porch so that leaves would not block the drain, they cut the lawn where they had cookouts and parties during the summer (they did not call me to do it before each party) they caulk the tubs and the bathrooms and kept the floors free of food,dirt and other things.

You were lucky with the past tenants of 4 years.

If this goes to court I would be interested to know how the judge ruled.