How can a tenant legally challenge a rent increase?

When a landlord increases the rent on a tenant, the tenant has the legal right to challenge the rent increase. In Maryland, there are a few ways a tenant can challenge a rent increase. The first way is to take the landlord to court. This is done by filing a complaint with the court system. The tenant must provide evidence that the rent increase was unreasonable or unjustified and the court can then decide if the rent increase should be reversed. The second way is to contact the Maryland Commission of Landlord-Tenant Affairs. This is an independent government agency that can help mediate disputes between tenants and landlords. The tenant can contact the agency and provide evidence that the landlord’s rent increase is not fair or legal. The agency can then investigate the case and may order the landlord to reduce the rent, if found appropriate. The third way is for the tenant to negotiate with the landlord and try to come to a mutual agreement. The tenant can explain why they feel the rent increase is unreasonable and suggest an alternative arrangement. To make the discussion more formal, the tenant can have a friend or attorney present. All of these methods can help a tenant legally challenge a rent increase in Maryland. It is important to remember that before an individual takes any legal or formal action, they should fully familiarize themselves with the Maryland landlord-tenant law to understand their rights.

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