Real Estate Law in Maryland
What Is Real Estate Law?
Are you getting ready to purchase or sell some property? Are you involved in a property or real estate dispute? Or, maybe you are having trouble getting your landlord to make repairs to the home.
Whether or not you are a property owner or tenant, you have rights under Maryland real estate law. Not all residential and commercial real estate transactions execute perfectly. Sometimes unexpected issues can occur such as property rights, access, liabilities, and more. Furthermore, legal matters involving real estate transactions are often complex and are not just limited to the property owners.
Types of Real Estate Law Disputes
Disputes involving real estate in Maryland are very common and some of them are quite complex. They often require the intervention of the courts. Typically courts are seen as the most biased party. Learn more about the different types of real estate disputes below.
Escrow Deposit
If you decide to purchase any Maryland property, there are certain steps anyone who is involved must take. One is having an escrow account. A common reason escrow disputes occur is when the closing process fails and the buyer and seller cannot agree on what happens with the funds.
Easement Real Estate Dispute
Easement disputes are one of the most common forms of real estate disputes between neighbors, especially when property ownership changes. An easement allows other people or parties access to use certain portions of your property. Easements are not always granted by a property owner. Information regarding easements is often included in Maryland property deeds.
For example, a neighbor may feel they have the right to access a portion of your property because a previous owner allowed them to for years. One step you can take to resolve the matter before pursuing litigation is talking amicably with the other party.
Landlord/Tenant
Disputes often arise when Maryland landlords and tenants cannot agree on repairs, rent arrears, and more. Tenant and landlord laws are very complex and failure to adhere to them can cause either party to violate the rights of the other.
The Attorney General of Maryland states that any landlord offering 5 or more rental units must include in each lease a statement that the premises are reasonably safe and habitable. Leases may not include language that gives a renter less than 30 days to vacate the unit in the case of an eviction. In addition, no landlord can impose a late fee that is higher than 5% of the amount a tenant owes.
Contract Breaches
No Maryland real estate transaction is enforceable without a contract. Not all contracts are valid. The requirements for what to include in a valid real estate agreement vary from state to state. However, documents that are missing certain elements or contain unclear or confusing language and in which one party breaches often result in real estate disputes between sellers and buyers. Real estate contracts are enforceable documents. You should never enter into a real estate transaction in Maryland without a valid mutually beneficial contract.
Fraud/Omissions
Proving fraud in a real estate transaction can be an uphill battle. It is almost always necessary to work with Maryland real estate lawyers to straighten things out.
The Maryland Department of Labor states that no seller, agent, or broker can engage in fraudulent practices in order to sell real property. No entity can knowingly withhold information regarding damage to the property. Other fraudulent practices include:
- Misrepresenting the property
- Selling without the owner’s authorization
- Forcing the cancellation of contracts
- Selling the same property to multiple buyers
Boundary Lines
Property line disagreements usually occur when adjoining Maryland property owners do not respect property boundaries. Sometimes this is due to a valid misunderstanding between neighbors. Not all property lines are easy to define and property records are not always accurate or easy to understand. Usually, disagreements arise because of fencing, trees, and other boundary line concerns. Though some Maryland property owners feel they can take matters into their own hands, doing so could cause more problems. Court intervention is typically the best way to identify and enforce property lines.
Ownership
Determining the rightful owner of a property in Maryland is not always easy. For instance ownership issues are common when an owner verbally transfers ownership without documentation. Or, when someone bequeaths their real estate to another without going through the proper process. There can also be other parties with ownership rights, such as certain lien holders.
Liens
Liens can impact your ability to own property or land free and clear. It is possible to sell a property that has liens on it. However, some liens can diminish a property’s sale price. Also, in many cases, liens must be clear before you can secure a mortgage or financing.
The Maryland People’s Law Library states that once a creditor places a lien on a debtor’s property, the debtor is legally barred from transferring their interest in said property until the debt is satisfied. This tactic motivates certain individuals who do not wish to be hampered from transferring their property. In Maryland, a creditor can renew their lien after 12 years, if the debtor has not paid.
What Should You Do If You Are in a Real Estate Dispute in Maryland?
If you have a real estate issue in which you feel your rights are being violated, or there is a specific issue that has you and another party in disagreement, it’s best to speak with an experienced Maryland real estate lawyer. Regardless of the issues you are facing, you can benefit from having legal guidance.
Learn About Real Estate Law
Maryland real estate law is quite complex. It is important for you to learn as much as you can about how real estate law applies to your circumstances. Your lawyer will help you to understand what’s at stake and develop a plan of action that helps protect your real estate rights.
Work With an Experienced Real Estate Attorney in Maryland
Real estate disputes make up the majority of litigation cases. Still, not all issues require you to go to trial. You should work with Maryland lawyers that have the knowledge and experience to get you the resolution you seek. Depending on your disagreement, the courts may include financial compensation and injunctions to prevent retaliation or recurring issues.
Get the legal help you need now. We help Maryland landlords, renters, property and more resolve their real estate litigation. Additionally, we can even help you connect with an attorney across Maryland state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
