What can a tenant legally do if the landlord fails to provide a habitable living environment?

In Maryland, tenants have the right to a habitable living environment. If the landlord fails to provide that, the tenant can take certain legal steps. The first step is to provide the landlord with written notice that the living environment is not habitable. In the notice, the tenant should detail what is wrong and what needs to be fixed. The tenant should also make sure to keep a copy of the letter. The second step is for the tenant to give the landlord a reasonable amount of time to make the necessary repairs, usually 30 days. If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant can file a complaint with the District Court in the county in which the property is located. The tenant can also ask the District Court for an injunction, or order, that requires the landlord to make the necessary repairs. Finally, if the landlord still fails to provide a habitable living environment, the tenant can make the repairs and deduct the cost from their rent. However, the tenant should consult a lawyer before doing this to make sure it is done legally. In summary, a tenant in Maryland has legal rights when it comes to a landlord providing a habitable living environment. The tenant can provide written notice, file a complaint with the District Court, or make the repairs and deduct the cost from their rent.

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What can a tenant legally do if the landlord fails to provide a habitable living environment?

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