What can I do if my landlord won't fix uninhabitable conditions in Maryland?

1. Implied Warranty of Habitability — Maryland's primary mechanism is the rent escrow statute, Md. Code Real Prop. § 8-211, with a limited common-law warranty. Local codes (Baltimore City Housing Code, Prince George's County) supply detail.

2. What Counts as Uninhabitable — § 8-211(e) covers conditions that "constitute, or if not promptly corrected, will constitute, a fire hazard or a serious and substantial threat to the life, health or safety of occupants": lack of heat, water, hot water, sewage; structural defects; rodent infestation; lead paint hazards; severe code violations.

3. Tenant Notice to Landlord — § 8-211 requires actual or constructive notice (such as a code citation), reasonable opportunity to cure (typically 30 days; emergencies shorter).

4. Repair-and-Deduct — Maryland has no general repair-and-deduct statute; tenants must use rent escrow or sue for damages.

5. Rent Withholding / Escrow — § 8-211 allows tenant to file in District Court for rent escrow; rent paid into court is held pending repairs. Failure to make repairs may result in court ordering rent abatement, termination of lease, or release of escrow to tenant.

6. Constructive Eviction — Recognized; tenant may abandon and terminate where defects substantially interfere with use.

7. Affirmative Defense to Eviction — Habitability defects under § 8-211 are a defense and counterclaim in failure-to-pay-rent actions when tenant has properly escrowed.

8. Damages & Penalties — § 8-211(m) allows rent abatement, release of escrow, termination of lease, and injunctive relief. Lead poisoning claims under Md. Code Envir. § 6-801 et seq. may yield significant damages.

9. Retaliation Protection — § 8-208.1 prohibits retaliation for 6 months after tenant complaint or assertion of rights; damages up to 3 months' rent plus reasonable attorney fees.

This is legal information, not legal advice.