Evicting a tenant in Prince George's County, Maryland can be a lengthy process, depending on the reason for the eviction, whether it is contested, and other possible delays. The initial step for landlords is to file a complaint with the District Court of the county where the rental unit is located. The notice period for tenants in Montgomery County depends on the type of tenancy. For monthly tenancies that last less than a year, the tenant must receive a two-month notice to vacate.
For monthly leases or tenancies of less than one year in a single-family home, the landlord can give the tenant 30 days notice to vacate. If the court rules in favor of the tenant due to landlord retaliation, they may award a judgment against the landlord for damages not exceeding three months' rent, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs. If the tenant fails to submit a response in this type of eviction, the judicial official can rule in favor of the landlord. Evicting a tenant in Prince George's County requires careful consideration and adherence to local laws. Landlords must provide proper notice to tenants and follow all applicable regulations.
If the tenant contests the eviction, landlords must be prepared to present their case in court. In addition, landlords should be aware that if they are found guilty of retaliatory eviction, they may be liable for damages.