Rental Property Maintenance Disputes Upper Marlboro, MD | Habitability Lawyer
One of the most common arguments I hear from both landlords and tenants is:
“Who’s supposed to fix this?”
If you live in or rent out a home in Upper Marlboro, you’ve probably run into this issue.
Whether it’s a leaking roof, a broken heater, or mold in the bathroom, maintenance disputes can quickly lead to legal trouble.
I’ve handled both sides of these cases—and here’s what you need to know.
🏠 Landlords: You Have Legal Duties
Maryland law requires landlords to keep rental units safe, clean, and livable.
That means you’re usually responsible for:
- Heat and hot water
- Plumbing and electrical systems
- Roof and structural repairs
- Keeping the property up to housing code
If something major breaks and you delay the fix, tenants have the right to file complaints—or even withhold rent in certain cases.
I help landlords avoid this by acting early and keeping clear records of maintenance and repairs.
👨🔧 Tenants: You’re Not Powerless
Tenants have responsibilities too—like taking care of the space and not causing damage.
But if something breaks and your landlord won’t fix it, you can:
- Send written notice requesting the repair
- Report the issue to local housing authorities
- Take legal action if the issue affects your safety or quality of life
I’ve helped tenants win rent reductions and even court-ordered repairs when landlords ignored serious problems.
📋 The Lease Matters, But So Does the Law
Your lease may explain who’s responsible for certain repairs—but it can’t override basic legal duties.
A landlord can’t shift responsibility for heat or water, for example.
I review leases and guide clients through the fine print so they know exactly what their rights and obligations are.
⚖️ Let’s Resolve the Issue—Before It Gets Worse
Maintenance disputes don’t have to turn into lawsuits.
I help landlords and tenants resolve these problems quickly, legally, and with as little conflict as possible.
✅ Book a Consultation Online
If you’re dealing with a repair dispute in Upper Marlboro, I’m here to help.
Let’s ensure the issue gets fixed—and done correctly.
📅 Schedule now at: https://haskellanddyer.com/contact/
