[MD] Landlord at 5pm tells me to be out by the end of the day, demands 1,000$ in an early lease-end? Pretty sure this is illegal.
State: MD
Hi all, I was renting a shared room in a townhome. The landlord and I had our fair share of difficulties together, just being incompatible (i found her very nosy, always peeking in my room or knocking on my door to try and hang out when I'd come home from shifts) and I lost my job earlier this year so I was struggling to pay rent. We ended up with multiple months where I paid what I could and then caught up later. And for the most part, I did catch up.
As of right now I owe $100 in previous rent payments. My rent was due today (to cover may 21st-june 21st) and I told her I had only half, but could pay the rest + the late rent fee in 9 days.
She said no and told me to be out of the house by the end of the day. She also said that she'll wait 6 months for the $1,000 "Early lease end" fee before she gets a lawyer involved.
I don't think that's legal? I'm getting evicted and leaving the day of. I'm not even a month behind on rent. I was told at 5pm to be out by the end of the day and I'm doing my best but I'm freaking out. I wasn't served any papers at all. We had a lease.
I might be very wrong about my interpretation of this but this all feels very sudden and very illegal. It definitely feels like she's lashing out because she's upset as opposed to doing things the cordial, legal way. But I'm only 25 so I don't know.
Any insight would be great! I'm young and dumb. Thanks.
UPDATES BELOA....
Update: All my stuff is moved out. I took photos of the bedroom and bathroom and screenshots of her demanding I leave via text. The room is a mess but y'know... That's what happens when you demand I leave within five hours, I guess.
I'm staying at a hotel for the night and saving the receipt. I'm going to stay with family afterwards.
Update 2: Well, it's the next morning. I stayed the night at the hotel. I received a text this morning from her asking "what my plan is" regarding to state of the room because she says she'd like to start showing it immediately. I did not respond but I was planning on saying something like,
"Hi X, I was told to leave the property and move all my things immediately. The keys have been left as requested. Everything has been moved despite an eviction typically requiring a 30 days notice. I understand that $100 is still owed due to backrent and you will be receiving that shortly. That being said, I no longer live there as of yesterday, and I am seeking consultation regarding any outstanding potential fees and reviewing our leasing agreement. Thank you and good luck!"
...but I have not sent that yet, as i want to speak to a lawyer first. She likely wants me to drop everything and return to the property to clean (listen, I'm not gonna lie that the room is dirty, I told her that while she was telling me to leave yesterday that it wouldn't be ready to show people but she still demanded I leave) but I feel like she's just trying to get free labor out of me.