Working For Justice In Housing

Overview

The Tenant-Landlord program seeks to improve the relationship between tenants and landlords by informing them of their rights under the law.  BNI Tenant-Landlord Counselors provide information to callers but not legal advice.  We offer free intro packets to tenants and landlords which answer commonly asked questions, such as, security deposits, evictions, rent court, maintenance, and proper notice. Our Guide to Local, State, and Federal Laws Governing Tenant-Landlord Relations is distributed to District Court judges and is also available for purchase through the mail by the general public.

Hotline

BNI's Tenant-Landlord Hotline serves residential landlords and tenants throughout Maryland, with the exception of Montgomery County.  The hotline handles more than 20,000 calls annually and there is no charge to callers for the service.  Hotline Counselors provide both landlords and tenants with information about their rights and responsibilities under Maryland Tenant –Landlord Law and refer callers to other state and local resources such as rent court, small claims court, the local housing code enforcement office, and other legal resources where appropriate.  Counselors are unable to provide callers with referrals to lawyers. 

The Hotline is open Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 1:00PM and 2:00PM to 4:30PM.  Call 410-243-6007 or 1-800-487-6007 (MD Only).  Sorry, we are not equipped to take walk-in clients.

New Baltimore Eviction Laws

Baltimore City changed its eviction laws effective October 1, 2007.  See the links below for more information.

- Eviction Procedures Booklet

- Notice from the City Sheriff

- Sample Eviction Notice