How a Business Hired a Lawyer to Draft a Lease Agreement in Maryland

Hi, Without reviewing the entire lease it is difficult to give a thorough answer, but it is likely legally permissible. In Maryland, the rules for rent increases vary based on the type of lease. For leases longer than a month, landlords must give a notice of 90 days. If a lease is between a week and a month, a 60-day notice is needed. Oral leases of a week or less require just 21 days' notice. For leases with a written contract of one week or less, only a 7-day notice is required. These rules ensure tenants have enough time to plan for changes in their rent, and can move if necessary. Refer to the Renters' Rights Stabilization Act of 2024 with a licensed lawyer for more information.

No, the landlord cannot legally do so. A lease is a form of contract, and if one party tries to break a contract, it's normally considered a breach of contract. However, in addition, Washington has a very detailed (and sometimes difficult to follow) Residential Landlord Tenant Law that has been in effect, and amended numerous times, since 1973: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=59.18 Also, many cities provide some additional protections to tenants - Seattle chief among them. I'd be happy to provide some assistance to you through Contracts Counsel, but no longer engage in litigation (however, litigation shouldn't be needed). Be aware that the landord can't do anything at all, for any reason, unless everything the landlord provides to you is in writing and properly served to you (eg, a notice to vacate or eviction can't be delivered merely by email or text). Best wishes, and good luck, Merry A. Kogut, Attorney at Law