Can my landlord evict me if I stay past my lease end date?

Full question:

i gave them a letter that when my lease end i will move at the end of my lease, now the new apartment i want to move they have it available only after six days that when i am suppose to give the key my landlord is asking to give the key at the end of the lease the want rent the apartment . What the can do to me? can they evict me by force or i can stay the six days and move.

  • Category: Landlord Tenant
  • Subcategory: Lease Termination
  • Date:
  • State: Maryland

Answer:

If you stay in your apartment after your lease ends without your landlord's consent, you become a holdover tenant. In this case, your landlord can choose to treat you as a periodic tenant, either week-to-week or month-to-month, depending on your original lease terms. As a holdover tenant, you may be liable for rent for the additional time you occupy the unit, even if it's just a few days.

Your landlord can also initiate eviction proceedings against you for holding over. If they do, you might be responsible for the costs associated with the eviction. According to Maryland law, a tenant who unlawfully holds over can be liable for damages, which include at least the apportioned rent for the period of holdover (Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. § 8-402).

It's important to communicate with your landlord about your situation. If you can reach an agreement, it may help avoid complications.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Generally, once you sign a lease, the terms are binding, including the move-in date. However, you can request to delay your move-in date. If the landlord agrees, it should be documented in writing. If they do not agree, you may need to adhere to the original date or face potential penalties for breaking the lease.