Holdover tenant

A holdover tenant keeps living in a rental after the lease term ends, with no renewal signed. This often happens when a tenant misses a move-out date, or when talks about a new term stall.

What happens next depends on the lease and on what the owner does. If you want the tenant out, put your notice in writing and follow Maryland's notice rules. If the tenant still does not leave, a court can enter a judgment for restitution of the property and for costs against the person in possession "so holding over." Only a sheriff or constable can then carry out a warrant of restitution.

The best prevention is early planning. Send a lease renewal offer or a clear non-renewal notice well before the end date, and give a rent increase notice on time if the rent will change. Talk to a Maryland attorney before you act on a specific case.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the linked official source or talk to a Maryland attorney.