Tenant Privacy Lawyer Upper Marlboro, MD | Illegal Entry by Landlord
By Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq.
As a tenant, your home is your private space—even if you don’t own it.
I often get calls from clients in Upper Marlboro saying, “My landlord walked in without notice. Can they do that?”
The short answer is no—not without following the law.
Whether you’re a landlord trying to stay compliant, or a tenant trying to protect your privacy, here’s what you need to know about legal entry in Maryland.
🔑 Tenants Have the Right to Privacy
Maryland law protects tenants from unannounced or unreasonable entries.
A landlord can’t just show up and walk in—even if they own the property.
Landlords must:
- Give proper notice, usually 24 hours
- Enter only at reasonable times
- Have a valid reason—like repairs, inspections, or emergencies
Just because they hold the keys doesn’t give them a free pass to come and go.
🚪 When Can a Landlord Enter Without Notice?
There are very few situations where a landlord can enter without advance notice:
- Emergencies (fire, flood, safety threat)
- Abandonment of the unit
- Court order or law enforcement action
Even then, landlords should document the entry to avoid legal trouble later.
I’ve helped landlords defend legitimate access—and I’ve also held them accountable when they crossed the line.
📩 Tenants: What to Do If Your Privacy Is Violated
If your landlord is entering without permission or harassing you, you have options:
- Send a written complaint
- Document the dates and times
- Contact our office for help
I’ve filed legal claims for tenants whose privacy was repeatedly violated.
In some cases, this even justified early lease termination or compensation.
👨⚖️ Landlords: Know the Rules
Even if your intentions are good, violating a tenant’s privacy can open you up to lawsuits.
I work with landlords in Prince George’s County to update lease language, send proper notices, and avoid actions that might be seen as harassment.
✅ Let’s Protect Your Rights
I’ve helped both landlords and tenants handle privacy-related disputes the right way.
If you’re unsure where the line is—let’s talk.
📅 Book a private consultation online at: https://haskellanddyer.com/contact/
