Maryland
How Blackett v. Olanoff applies in Maryland: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Property (Landlord–Tenant; Quiet Enjoyment; Constructive Eviction).
In Maryland, the principle of constructive eviction is recognized, which occurs when a tenant is deprived of the use and enjoyment of their premises due to the landlord's actions or inactions. The standard requires the tenant to vacate the premises within a reasonable time after the landlord's breach.
Under Maryland law, a landlord can be found liable for constructive eviction if they substantially interfere with the tenant's use and enjoyment of the property, and the tenant vacates the property in response to that interference.
The court ruled that a landlord's failure to maintain premises adequately can amount to constructive eviction, allowing the tenant to terminate the lease.
In this case, the court reiterated that a landlord's failure to uphold essential services constitutes a breach of the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment.
The court held that repeated disturbances by the landlord rendered the property uninhabitable, thereby establishing grounds for constructive eviction.
Maryland's approach to constructive eviction aligns closely with federal standards, which also emphasize the landlord's duty to maintain the premises in a habitable condition. However, Maryland places a stronger emphasis on the tenant's obligation to vacate within a reasonable timeframe to assert constructive eviction.
The principles of quiet enjoyment and constructive eviction are often tested on the Maryland bar exam, particularly in property law questions regarding landlord-tenant relationships.