Turning off water on a property I own in Maryland.?

Question

Can I have the water turned off on a property I own if some one is living there BUT not paying rent? It is located in Maryland. Bill is in my name.

Answer 1

I doubt it. You can't do it in PA or shut off any other utility either. Your only recourse is eviction.

Answer 2

Dear Bill,

          As tempting as it may sound, states universally hold you in contempt should you deny  utilities to tenants. Lease terms do not matter. The occupants can be squatting. But you will be subject to great civil penalties by using a technique referred to as "self help" and no your insurance coverage does not protect you.

            In rare case, you might even face criminal charges....

            What to do? Start an unlawful detainer immediately. NO YOU DO NOT NEED TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY. YOU SHOULD HAVE AN EXPERT RENTAL MANAGMENT OR UNLAWFUL DETAINER SPECIALTY COMPANY PERFORM THIS SERVICE. Why?

Because this involves the precious rights to basic living, statutes are very tightly enforced and any doubt usually resolved in favor of the tenant.

Get you property back PROPERLY.  

Answer 3

No, it would be an illegal eviction action and make it impossible for you to evict them any time soon.   You will also be fined by the courts.

Answer 4

If they ever paid you anything or gave you a deposit, it is illegal for you to shut off the water.  Otherwise ok. /

Answer 5

I don't know. Would you really want them not to be able to flush the toilet? If it's in the lease that you'll include the water, I'd say no. If you turn off the water it seems they could come back and say they're not paying the rent because you're not providing the water.

Answer 6

No. You must go through the formal eviction process. Anything else will ruin your chances in court.

Next time screen the tenants and monitor them better.

Answer 7

That is called a self eviction, usually illegal in most states.  The safest thing to do is go the legal route.  Legally evict the non-payer.  Believe it or not, if you turn his water off and do not evict him legally, he can sue you.  I actually know a landlord that had to pay a non-paying tenant.  The landlord turned the tenants electric off because it was included in the rent.  The tenant called the states Attorney General, they told him to file a claim in court and sue the landlord for self eviction.  The judge ruled in favor of the tenant.