We Process Evictions for Charles County

• Coverage Area: We process evictions throughout Charles County, MD.
• Rental License Requirement: No rental license is required to file an eviction.
• Court Filing Fee: The Failure to Pay Rent case filing fee in Charles County District Court is $305.

Our Eviction Processing Services Include:

For $305, our eviction assistance services cover:

• Preparation & Filing of the Failure to Pay Rent court forms.
• Tenant Collections Letter to demand payment.
• Court Representation on your behalf, so you don’t have to appear in person.

Sheriff’s Role in the Eviction Process

Once you win a judgment for possession, you’ll need a Writ of Restitution (Eviction Order) for the Charles County Sheriff’s Department to enforce the eviction.

• The eviction order must be signed by a judge and sealed by the court.
• Evictions are scheduled weekly and dates are assigned in advance.
• You will be informed of the eviction date and time by the Sheriff’s Office.

What Happens on Eviction Day?

• Landlord or Representative Presence Required: A landlord or representative must be present to take possession of the property.
• Sheriff’s Entry Procedure: The Sheriff knocks and announces their presence before entering.
• Access to the Proper.ty If no one answers, the landlord must unlock the property using a key, locksmith, or other means.
• Tenant’s Belongings Removal The Sheriff places the tenant’s items at the curb, where they remain for 24 hours for retrieval.
• Property Cleanup Responsibility After 24 hours, the landlord removes any remaining belongings.
• Animal Control Involvement: Animal Control takes custody of any abandoned pets.
• Court Confirmation After completing the eviction, the Sheriff’s Office files a return of service with the court.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Do I need to be present during the eviction?

Yes. The landlord or a designated representative must be present. Attorneys do not need to attend.

• What if my tenant vacates before the scheduled eviction?

You may cancel the eviction with the Sheriff’s Office, but it’s recommended to consult a legal professional before doing so.

• Can I change the locks before the eviction process is complete?

No. Changing the locks before a legal eviction order is issued is illegal and can lead to penalties.

• What if my tenant is involved in illegal activities?

If your tenant is engaged in criminal activities such as drug manufacturing, you may qualify for an expedited eviction process. Consult a lawyer for guidance.

Understanding the Charles County Housing Court Process

• The District Court addresses housing problems.
• The landlord (plaintiff) presents their case first, then the tenant (defendant) presents theirs.
• The judge either issues a judgment immediately or delays it for further review.
• If a party fails to appear in court, the judge may dismiss the case or rule in favor of the other party.

Types of Tenant-Landlord Cases in Maryland

• Failure to Pay Rent: The tenant failed to pay rent, so the landlord filed for eviction and demanded the unpaid amount.
• Tenant Holding Over: The lease expired, but the tenant refuses to leave the property.
• Breach of Lease: The tenant violated the lease terms, such as causing property damage or allowing unauthorized occupants.
• Wrongful Detainer: Someone remains on the property without the landlord’s consent.
• Warrant of Restitution: The court must issue a final order before the landlord can proceed with eviction.

Legal Notices & Evictions in Charles County

• Eviction Notices: The landlord serves eviction notices by mail or posts them on the property in eviction-only cases.
• Eviction and Money Judgment: The landlord must personally serve the tenant for cases involving both eviction and a money judgment.
• Stopping an Eviction: Tenants can stop the eviction by paying past-due rent, unless it's a repeat violation.

Defending a Landlord Case in Court

• Attend court and bring all necessary documents, including lease agreements, receipts, photos, and correspondence.
• The judge reviews the evidence and issues a ruling.
• If the landlord wins, they can proceed with the eviction after 7 business days.

Rent Escrow & Security Deposits in Maryland

Rent Escrow for Unsafe Housing Conditions

• Tenants can file a rent escrow case if the property is uninhabitable.
• Rent payments are held in an escrow account until repairs are made.
• The court decides how escrow funds are distributed.

Security Deposit Returns

• Landlords must provide a list of damages within 45 days after the lease ends.
• If a security deposit is wrongfully withheld, tenants can file a claim in District Court.

Foreclosure & Tenant Rights in Maryland

• Foreclosure Process:

• • 90 Days After Default – The Lender may file for foreclosure.
  • 45 Days Before Filing – A Notice of Intent to Foreclose must be sent to the homeowner.
  • After Filing – The lender must serve court papers to the homeowner.

• Stopping Foreclosure:

  • Pay all missed payments, late fees, and legal charges.
  • File a court challenge within the legal deadline.
  • Request mediation within 25 days of receiving the Final Affidavit.

• Tenant Rights in Foreclosed Properties:

  • Existing leases remain valid unless the new owner intends to move in.
  • The new owner must notify tenants where to send rent payments.
  • If the new owner plans to live in the property, they must provide 90 days’ notice before terminating the lease.

If you are ready to start the eviction process and submit the information to us about your case, click GET STARTED on the Filing Failure to Pay form.

COUNTY INFORMATION
County Website: http://www.charlescountymd.gov/
County Hotline: (301) 870-3000

District Court:
11 Washington Ave
P.O. Box 3070
LaPlata, MD 20646
(301) 934-5110

Charles County Sheriff's Department
6915 Crain Highway
P.O. Box 189
LaPlata, MD 20646
(301) 932-2222