Is My Money Fixing Leaks or Lining Pockets? A Landlord's Guide to Transparent Property Maintenance
Imagine the sinking feeling: you entrust your property to a professional management company, only to discover they've been lining their pockets instead of fixing your leaky roof. Unfortunately, this isn't just a nightmare – it's a harsh reality some landlords face. It was recently in the news that a property manager embezzled $10,000 meant for repairs leaving the owner with several maintenance issues that needed to be dealt with. So, how can you ensure your hard-earned maintenance dollars are actually being used to maintain your investment? Tra…
Maryland Landlords Beware: New Tenant Safety Act Increases Expenses & Risks
New regulations in the Tenant Safety Act of 2024 could significantly impact Maryland landlords. See below how the law simplifies rent escrow actions for tenants, strengthens their rights, and potentially increases landlord’s legal fees. Previously, individual tenants might have had to file separate petitions. Now, multiple tenants facing similar issues like mold, flooding, or rodent infestations can join as co-plaintiffs in a single Rent Escrow Petition. Significantly, the changes in the law also place the burden on the landlord to prove that …
Demystifying the Right of First Refusal: A Guide for Real Estate Transactions
The right of first refusal (ROFR) is a powerful tool used in real estate transactions, granting a specific party the initial chance to purchase a property before it's offered to the general market. This clause can be included in various situations, including: Seller and Existing Tenant: A landlord might offer a tenant the right of first refusal if they decide to sell the property. Co-Owners: Co-owners selling their share of a property might grant the remaining owner(s) the right of first refusal. Estate Planning: An inheritance might be s…
New Maryland Law Makes Renting More Expensive & Evictions Harder (Renters' Rights Act)
The Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act protects Maryland renters who are experiencing housing instability. This bill establishes the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs to provide renters with information about their rights, creates the Maryland Tenants Bill of Rights, increases the eviction filing fee to address the high eviction filing rate across the county, saves renters money by reducing required security deposits and creates new pathways to homeownership by providing tenants the opportunity to purchase their homes. HB 693 will reduc…
Fire Up the Fun (and the Grill)! Your Guide for the 4th of July Festivities in Your Area!
The smell of hot dogs is in the air, and the anticipation of fireworks is crackling! It's almost the Fourth of July, and whether you're a seasoned Maryland resident or a newcomer ready to experience your first Charm City summer celebration, we've got you covered. In this blog, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to parades, fireworks displays, and local events happening across multiple counties, so, grab your lawn chairs, spark up the grill, and get ready for a star-spangled summer celebration! BALTIMORE CITY - INNER HARBOR CELEBRATION Come ce…