Maryland Eviction Defense — LSC-Grade Legal Packet
Jurisdiction-correct document templates. Not legal advice.
1. Eligibility Checker — Who This Packet Helps
- [ ] You are a tenant facing eviction in Maryland
- [ ] You live in rental housing (apartment, house, mobile home, room)
- [ ] Your landlord has given you notice or filed for eviction
- [ ] Your income is low (generally under 200% of federal poverty level for free legal aid)
File at: Maryland court finder: https://www.mdcourts.gov/circuit
2. Required Forms — Maryland Eviction Defense
Forms You May Need to File
| Form Name | Purpose | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|
| Notice of Intention to Defend | Tells the court you will fight the eviction | District Court clerk's office or online |
| Request for Continuance | Asks for more time before trial | District Court clerk's office |
| Motion to Dismiss | Asks court to throw out the case | Draft yourself or get legal help |
| Counterclaim | Sues landlord for violations | Draft yourself or get legal help |
| Application for Waiver of Fees | Asks to skip filing fees if low-income | District Court clerk's office |
Maryland District Court Forms Online
- Website: mdcourts.gov/district/forms
- Look for: Landlord/Tenant forms
3. Step-by-Step Filing Instructions
Step 1: Read the Notice Carefully
Step 2: Respond to the Notice
- Fix the issue BEFORE the notice deadline
- Get a receipt or written proof
- Keep copies of everything
- Start looking for legal help immediately
- Document everything wrong with your apartment
- Save all texts, emails, and letters from your landlord
Step 3: If Landlord Files in Court — File Your Notice of Intention to Defend
- Go to the District Court listed on your summons
- Ask the clerk for a Notice of Intention to Defend form
- Fill it out — you can write why you disagree with the eviction
- File it with the clerk BEFORE your court date
Step 4: Prepare for Court
Step 5: Go to Court on Your Trial Date
Step 6: If You Lose — You Have Options
5. Filing Checklist — Before Going to Court
- [ ] Your lease (original or copy)
- [ ] All rent receipts or payment records
- [ ] The eviction notice from your landlord
- [ ] Court summons and complaint
- [ ] Your filed Notice of Intention to Defend (stamped copy)
- [ ] Photos of your apartment (especially any problems)
- [ ] Copies of letters, texts, and emails with landlord
- [ ] Any repair requests you made
- [ ] Proof of income (for fee waiver application)
- [ ] Your court date and time
- [ ] Court address and room number
LEGAL AID
- Maryland Legal Aid: mdlab.org · 1-800-999-8904
- Women's Law Center of MD: wlcmd.org · (410) 321-8761
- House of Ruth MD (DV): hruth.org · 1-888-880-7884
- MD Courts Self-Help: mdcourts.gov/selfhelp · (410) 260-1394
*Not legal advice. Jurist-Diction is not a law firm. Templates are jurisdiction-correct.
Verify current law before filing. For legal advice contact a licensed Maryland attorney or legal aid. jurist-diction.com*