When to Use Rent Escrow: For serious defects that are a threat to life, health, or safety, including:
Lack of heat, electricity, water
Inadequate sewage disposal
Rodent infestation
Lead paint hazards
Structural defects threatening safety
Fire or health hazards
Process:
Notify landlord of defects (certified mail or through housing inspector)
Allow reasonable time for repairs
If repairs aren't made, file with District Court
Continue paying rent into court-established escrow account
Other Options:
Report code violations to local authorities
Before an escrow account can be
established, the court will hold a hearing and, if warranted, the judge can return money to you as compensation, allocate funds for repairs, or appoint an administrator to oversee repairs. Once the escrow account is established, you must continue paying rent into it regularly.
If you withhold rent without establishing escrow, you must still notify the landlord by certified mail, but they could try to evict you. In court, you can defend yourself, and if the judge agrees conditions threaten your life, health or safety, you'll need to pay rent into an escrow account until resolved.
Baltimore City has its own rent escrow law similar to state law, so city residents must use the local version. Counties with rent escrow laws also require following their specific local procedures.
Protection from Retaliation
Landlords cannot evict, increase rent, or reduce services because a tenant:
Complained about conditions
Filed a complaint with housing authorities or the courts
Joined a tenants' organization
Lead-Based Paint