Rent Increase Dispute Upper Marlboro, MD | Lease Renewal Attorney
By Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq.
If you’ve received notice that your rent is going up—or your lease terms are changing—it can feel overwhelming and unfair.
As a landlord-tenant attorney in Upper Marlboro, I’ve helped both landlords and tenants understand what is legal, what is not, and how to respond appropriately.
Not every rent increase or lease change is enforceable.
Let’s talk about what your rights are in Prince George’s County.
📈 Landlords: Yes, You Can Raise the Rent—But There Are Rules
In Maryland, landlords can raise the rent after the lease ends or during renewal, but they must provide proper notice.
For month-to-month tenants, that usually means 60 days’ written notice.
What landlords can’t do is:
- Raise rent in the middle of a lease (unless the lease allows it)
- Retaliate by raising rent after a tenant files a complaint
- Increase rent in a way that targets specific tenants unfairly
I help landlords issue rent increase notices correctly so disputes don’t spiral into lawsuits.
🧾 Tenants: You Have Options
If you believe the rent increase is unreasonable or was done improperly, don’t assume you have to accept it. I’ve helped tenants challenge illegal or retaliatory rent hikes by:
- Reviewing the lease for limits or protections
- Checking local housing laws for rent stabilization (in some cases)
- Negotiating revised lease terms before they’re signed
If you’re being forced to agree to new terms, or your landlord is threatening eviction unless you accept the change, that’s a red flag.
⚖️ Lease Changes Must Be Clear and Lawful
Landlords can’t simply “revise” lease terms in the middle of a lease period. Any change must be agreed upon and typically applies only at the time of renewal.
I advise both sides on how to handle lease modifications fairly and legally.
✅ Let’s Resolve This Before It Becomes a Bigger Problem
Lease and rent change disputes don’t have to turn ugly.
Whether you’re a landlord seeking to raise rent or a tenant facing unfair demands, I’ll help you handle it with confidence.
📅 Schedule a consultation online today: https://haskellanddyer.com/contact/
