EXECUTIVE HOUSING CONSULTANTS, INC 7315 Wisconsin Ave · Suite 603E · Bethesda, MD 20814 Phone: 301.951.4111 · Fax: 301-907-7329 [email protected] · www.executivehousing.com

______

LANDLORD-TENANT LAWS AND YOU

Jurisdictions write and enforce the laws that guide Landlords and Tenants. It would be impossible to go over every state, county, and city/town requirement of Landlord/Tenant law. However, you should know that the Landlord/Tenant laws are comprehensive and must be followed. Further, there are changes that may occur year to year. Your property manager stays abreast of these laws to be sure you are protected and the rental property is in compliance.

Listed below is a short list of some of the most important facets of Landlord/Tenant Law you should comply with when renting your home.

 Forms – Use the correct and current lease and addenda for your property type and specific jurisdiction.

 Licensing – Ensure you obtain the proper Licenses for your rental property. Montgomery County requires a Rental Unit facility License and may require an inspection. The District of Columbia requires a rental property to be registered and the owner of a 1 or 2 unit property to apply for a Basic Business License. There are no licensing requirements in Virginia.

 Security Deposits – Understand the process and timelines associated with the deposit, handling, deducting from, and return of Security Deposits. There are maximum amounts that can be collected, Virginia and Maryland is Two Month’s rent, The District of Columbia is One Month’s rent.

 Code – Recognize your jurisdiction’s code requirements for types of permissible locks, smoke detector types and locations, their licensing inspection checklist, etc.

 Damage – Be aware of the difference between Damage and Normal Wear and Tear

 Emergencies – Know what is and is not considered an emergency repair.

 Rent Collection –Follow the guidelines in your jurisdiction regarding rent due dates, late rent dates, late fee amounts, rent increase limits/frequency/, and potentially default and the eviction process.

 Lease Termination – Know the proper ways for you or your tenant to properly terminate a lease and adhere to the notice periods. Each jurisdiction may have special requirements for re-occupying the residence. For example, The District of Columbia requires owners to give tenants 90 Days and special paperwork required for an owner to re-occupy their own residence.

This is just a tiny list compared to what your Property Manager must know in terms of the Landlord/Tenant laws of your jurisdiction. If you are planning to rent your home yourself you will want to go immediately to your local office of Landlord/Tenant Affairs or visit your local jurisdiction’s web site and get any and all information they can give you so you can become the legal eagles you will need to become in order to be in compliance with every law and regulation.

-Raising the bar of excellence in residential property management-