Landlord Tenant Lawyer in St. Mary’s County, MD
A landlord tenant lawyer St Marys County is essential for resolving disputes under Maryland landlord-tenant law. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides representation for eviction defense, lease violations, and security deposit issues. Our firm, founded in 1997, offers 24/7 phone consultations. Call (888) 437-7747 for a case review by appointment.
Maryland Landlord-Tenant Law and Your Rights
Landlord-tenant disputes in Maryland are governed by the Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-200 et seq.. This statute outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, covering issues from lease agreements and rent payments to eviction procedures and security deposit returns. A landlord tenant lawyer St Marys County can help you understand how these laws apply to your specific situation, whether you are a tenant facing an unlawful eviction or a landlord dealing with a non-paying tenant.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s landlord-tenant statutes, refer to the Maryland General Assembly website. Court forms and local procedures for St. Mary’s County can be found on the Maryland Courts District Court directory.
handling Landlord-Tenant Disputes in St. Mary’s County
In St. Mary’s County, the District Court handles most landlord-tenant cases, including failure to pay rent and wrongful detainer actions. The key local procedural fact is that a landlord must provide proper notice before filing for eviction. For non-payment of rent, a landlord must give a one-month notice to quit. If the tenant does not pay or vacate, the landlord can then file a complaint in District Court. An eviction defense lawyer St. Mary’s County can challenge improper notice or procedural errors to protect a tenant’s right to remain in the home.
- Receive and Review Notice: The process begins when a tenant receives a formal notice from the landlord, such as a “Notice to Quit” for non-payment of rent or lease violation.
- File or Respond to Complaint: If the dispute is not resolved, the landlord files a complaint (e.g., Failure to Pay Rent, Wrongful Detainer) with the District Court. The tenant must file a written response within the time allowed.
- Attend Mediation or Hearing: The court may schedule a mediation conference. If no agreement is reached, a trial before a judge is held where both sides present evidence and arguments.
- Court Judgment and Possession: The judge issues a judgment. If the landlord wins, the court may issue a writ of restitution, authorizing the sheriff to restore possession of the property to the landlord.
Potential Outcomes in Landlord-Tenant Cases
In St. Mary’s County, outcomes in landlord-tenant disputes can range from lease termination and monetary judgments for unpaid rent to dismissal of eviction actions and awards of damages for wrongful withholding of security deposits.
| Action | Typical Legal Standard | Potential Outcome for Tenant | Potential Outcome for Landlord |
|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Pay Rent | Breach of Lease | Judgment for owed rent + costs; possible eviction | Recovery of rent; regaining possession |
| Wrongful Withholding of Security Deposit | Md. Code, Real Property § 8-203 | Recovery of up to 3x the wrongfully withheld amount + attorney’s fees | Liability for treble damages if found to have acted in bad faith |
| Breach of Lease (Non-Payment) | Material Violation | Lease termination; eviction | Right to terminate lease and seek possession |
| Unlawful Eviction (Self-Help) | Violation of Statutory Procedure | Potential damages for wrongful eviction; injunction | Liability for tenant’s damages and attorney’s fees |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Landlord-Tenant Issue
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a documented history of favorable outcomes, our firm brings substantial resources to your case. We understand that housing stability is critical, and we provide focused representation whether you need an eviction defense lawyer St. Mary’s County or are a landlord enforcing a lease agreement. Our approach is direct and case-specific.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results in St. Mary’s County landlord-tenant matters are not publicly listed, our firm’s overall record includes thousands of favorable outcomes across Maryland and other jurisdictions. We have successfully defended tenants against improper evictions and assisted landlords in resolving tenancy disputes efficiently. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
For example, our team, including Of Counsel attorney Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, applies deep knowledge of Maryland court procedures to advocate effectively for clients in civil disputes.
Contact Our Landlord Tenant Lawyer St Marys County
Our Maryland office represents clients in St. Mary’s County courts, including those in Leonardtown, Lexington Park, and California. We offer 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
We serve clients throughout St. Mary’s County, including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD).
Frequently Asked Questions: Landlord Tenant Lawyer St Marys County
What is the most common reason for eviction in Maryland?
Non-payment of rent. Under Maryland law, a landlord must provide a one-month notice to quit before filing an eviction lawsuit for failure to pay rent.
Can a landlord change the locks without a court order?
No. This is called “self-help” eviction and is illegal. A landlord must obtain a court judgment and a writ of restitution from the sheriff to legally remove a tenant. A tenant rights dispute lawyer St. Mary’s County can help a tenant sue for damages if this occurs.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Maryland?
45 days. Maryland law (Real Property § 8-203) requires a landlord to return the security deposit, with an itemized list of any deductions, within 45 days after the tenant vacates. Failure to do so in bad faith can result in the tenant recovering up to three times the withheld amount.
What should I do if I receive an eviction notice?
Contact a landlord tenant lawyer St Marys County immediately. Do not ignore the notice. An attorney can review the notice for legal sufficiency, advise you on your rights and defenses (such as repair issues), and represent you in court to fight the eviction.
Can I withhold rent if my landlord won’t make repairs?
It depends. Maryland has specific “repair and deduct” procedures a tenant must follow, including providing written notice and time for the landlord to fix serious issues that affect health or safety. Withholding rent improperly can lead to an eviction for non-payment. Consult with a lawyer first.
For more information on related legal services in St. Mary’s County, see our pages on business law and contract disputes. To learn about our firm’s statewide practice, visit our Maryland Civil Litigation hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your landlord-tenant matter.