There is a lot of information that tenants in Maryland need to know.  We are compiling that information here to help you with the process.

Finding Rental Properties

The licensed real estate agents at DMS Properties, LLC Residential Real Estate Services are available to help tenants find homes to rent in Maryland.  You can see the homes that we currently have for rent.  They are homes that we manage for homeowners.  If you rent one of them, we will be your point of contact for everything.

Because we are licensed Real Estate Agents, we have access to the Regional Multiple Listing Service (Bright MLS).  That means we can help you to find rental homes in Maryland that are listed by other real estate companies.  You can search for rental properties that are listed in the MLS  To make your search easy, we have them separated by Maryland County and by the monthly rent.

We can also help with rental properties that are available for rent directly by homeowners.  The process is somewhat different, though.  We can do this only if you sign an Exclusive Right to Represent the Buyer/Tenant Agreement.  You may be required to pay a commission to our agent.  This is because many owners who don’t use real estate agents are not willing to pay commissions.  These homes are usually offered through Craigslist, Zillow, Trulia and Hotpads.  We generally would advise you against using those services.

The Rental Application Process

When you find a Maryland home that you would like to rent, you will need to complete a rental application.  The application is submitted to the owners for review.  The application that is used and the processing fee that is charged varies from company to company.

The application process for homes that we manage is handled through TenantCloud.  You can read about the procedures we use for processing the applications.  The cost for submitting a TenantCloud application for our properties is $45 per adult.  Everyone who is age 18 or over that will live in the home must submit a separate application.  They will also be a party to the lease and responsible for any rent that is due.

If we help you find a home to rent through the MLS and an Exclusive Right to Represent the Buyer/Tenant Agreement, we will assist you with the application process.  Some real estate companies have their own application process, so we will follow their instructions.

We are also compiling information to be added here that will explain:

• the Maryland laws regarding Lead-Based Paint testing for homes built before 1978;

• the Maryland laws regarding placement of smoke detectors and CO2 detectors in rental homes.

Things that Tenants Need to Know

There are quite a few things that tenants need to know when they are preparing to move into a rental home.  Tenants should be aware that it is very important for them to have renters insurance.  That’s because a renters insurance policy can provide an important safety net for them if they are unable to stay in the rental or should their personal possessions be damaged or stolen.  We have information to get you started on finding the right policy.

People who have rented homes for many years may already know the move-out process, but it can vary from property to property.  There are normal tenant responsibilities and repairs tenants need to be aware of before moving out.

Tenants’ Rights in Maryland

We have spoken with many tenants who have told us horror stories about their dealings with landlords.  Some landlords done realize that tenants in Maryland have rights.  If landlords don’t follow the rules, the tenants have recourse.

We will be expanding this information soon to include how to deal with issues such as:

• when you rent a home directly from a homeowner, and
• when you rent a home that is being managed by a Property Management Company or a Licensed Real Estate Agent.

The procedures are somewhat different, depending on each situation.  We will be highlighting them below, including:

• Maryland Court System
• Arbitration
• Local Board of Realtors Grievance Procedures
• Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC)
• Guarantee Fund Claims

Utilities at Your Rental Home

There are several different utilities associated with every home.  Obviously, not all homes and property types are the same.  All properties have some sort of water and sewage services.  Most homes are served by a municipal or corporate water authority that provides water and sewer services.  These are usually paid on a quarterly basis.  Keep in mind that the water and sewer service is the only utility in the State of Maryland that is a homeowner responsibility, even if there is a tenant paying the bill.  It is an expense that “stays with the house.”  Tenants are responsible for paying their final water bill at the end of their lease.  If that isn’t done, it will be deducted from the security deposit.  If the home uses a well and septic system, then thing are completely different.

Many homes have a garbage disposal attached to the kitchen sink as part of the plumbing system.  Everyone should know the proper procedures for using a garbage disposal to avoid damaging the unit and causing clogs in the kitchen sink.  Tenants need to be aware that improper use of the garbage disposal could result in the need to replace the unit or hiring a plumber to unclog the drain.  These will both be tenant responsibilities.  Replacing a garbage disposal usually costs between $250 and $300.  Having a plumber come to the property to unclog a kitchen sink will cost upwards of $500.

One of the other things that tenants need to know is the location of the main water shutoff valve.  It’s important to know this in case there is a problem with the plumbing inside the house.  You definitely want to prevent any flood damage in the home.

Almost all homes are connected to electric services provided by a wide range of companies.  Even homes that have solar panels likely have an electric bill.  While tenants are living in the home, they are responsible for the electric service.  If they don’t pay their bill, the electric company can find them for private collection.

The same is true for homes that have natural gas service, oil service or propane.  It is almost always a tenant responsibility as long as they live in the property.  Some landlords will maintain the heating oil or propane service, but then get reimbursed by the tenants.  If tenants don’t reimburse the owners for utilities, the landlords can collect it as “additional rent” in a Failure to Pay Rent action.

Homes that are located in a condominium association may have some or all of the utilities included in the condominium fee.  In that case, the landlord is responsible for all of them.  Other utilities like phone, internet and cable TV are always purchased by the tenants.