By Matthew J. Dyer, Esq. – The Law Offices of Haskell & Dyer

A lease can often have many grey areas for both landlords and tenants.

But what if there are some grey areas?

I’ve represented several clients in Upper Marlboro, MD, who understood their lease, only to have the other party say, “No, that’s not what our lease says.”

Disputes over unclear or conflicting language in leases are far more common than you think.

Now, let’s go over some of the most common types of ambiguities in lease agreements and how to avoid them.

What are Ambiguities?

Ambiguities in a lease agreement occur when the agreement lacks clear language. These may include vagueness, confusion, or an open invitation to interpret what should otherwise be straightforward.

Lease ambiguity creates room for arguments over what parties are responsible for.

The most common areas of confusion in lease agreements include:

• Maintenance and repairs – Who pays for what?
• Utilities – Is the tenant responsible for all of them, or just some?
• Lease termination – Can it be ended early? What’s required?
• Security deposits – What qualifies as “damage” vs. “normal wear and tear”?
• Renewal clauses – Automatic or optional? At what rate?

If the lease doesn’t spell it out clearly, chances are both sides will read it in their own favor—and that’s when the trouble starts.

Why This Matters in Upper Marlboro

Upper Marlboro offers both residential rentals and shared-use commercial space. Leases range from hand written documents to standard Internet-forms.

I’ve lost tenants thousands of dollars because the lease wasn’t clear on who pays for what. I’ve also had tenants wrongfully evicted over things that weren’t clear enough to enforce.

How I Help Clients Resolve Lease Conflicts

At The Law Offices of Haskell & Dyer, I represent both landlords and tenants across Prince George’s County. Whether you need help preventing or resolving a dispute, I’ll help you interpret the lease and fight for your rights.

Here’s what I do:

• Review leases for ambiguous or harmful terms
• Explain your rights and obligations in plain English
• Negotiate lease modifications or resolutions
• Represent you in court if things escalate

Clarity is key—and I’m here to ensure your lease protects your interests.

Don’t Sign a Lease You Don’t Fully Understand

Don’t rely on assumptions about whether you’re signing or enforcing a lease.

What’s not written clearly can (and will) be used against you.

I’m Matthew J. Dyer, Esq., and I help clients in Upper Marlboro navigate lease disputes with confidence and clarity.

📞 Call 301-627-5844 or contact us online to schedule a lease agreement review or legal consultation.