LANDLORD RETALIATION AGAINST TENANTS
Q. Julie and two other tenants in her apartment complex circulated a petition to form a tenants' group to deal with the landlord's failure to make repairs. The landlord's nephew, who is also a tenant in the complex, reported this activity to the landlord. Julie was notified by the landlord that her rent would increase by $100 a month. Does Julie have to pay the higher rent or face eviction?
A. No.
A landlord cannot evict you, increase your rent, or fail to provide services because you organize or join a tenant's organization. Nor could the landlord take any of these actions if you had complained to him, filed a complaint against him with the housing insHOWARD-COUNTY-HOUpection department or other agency, or filed a lawsuit. However, you would have to prove that retaliation was the only reason for the landlord's action.
Q. Julie and two other tenants in her apartment complex circulated a petition to form a tenants' group to deal with the landlord's failure to make repairs. The landlord's nephew, who is also a tenant in the complex, reported this activity to the landlord. Julie was notified by the landlord that her rent would increase by $100 a month. Does Julie have to pay the higher rent or face eviction?
A. No.
A landlord cannot evict you, increase your rent, or fail to provide services because you organize or join a tenant's organization. Nor could the landlord take any of these actions if you had complained to him, filed a complaint against him with the housing insHOWARD-COUNTY-HOUpection department or other agency, or filed a lawsuit. However, you would have to prove that retaliation was the only reason for the landlord's action.
this is what maryland states attorney douglas gansler claims on his website. is this just the story for publication or is this sound law that you are committed to enforcing in howard county, even when violators of this law are your wealthy campaign supporters?
inquiring minds want to know - doug!
I'll be more than willing to post your complete unedited response. Mr. States Attorney. Reply to - godlessbob@gmail.com
or maybe you'd like to comment on the recent supreme court decision saying whistle blowers can't be denied employment for filing a complaint against their employer. it seems to me that if such behavior is unlawful in employment matters it would also be unlawful in matters of housing. well mr. gansler, i'm being evicted for blowing the whistle on harpers forest apts and publicizing their sub-standard maintenance work. are you interested in enforcing this supreme court ruling on your wealthy democratic campaign fundraiser and owner of harpers forest apts - philip e. ratcliffe?
reply to -
godlessbob@gmail.com
godlessbob@gmail.com
