Eviction: What You Need to Know About Tenant Rights and Landlord Rules

When we talk about eviction, the legal process by which a landlord removes a tenant from a rental property. Also known as unlawful detainer, it’s not something a landlord can do on a whim—it requires notice, court approval, and follows strict rules set by state and local laws. Many people think eviction means a landlord can just change the locks or turn off utilities. That’s illegal. In places like Maryland and Virginia, even if rent is late, the landlord must go through the court system. You can’t be forced out without a judge’s order.

Eviction doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s tied to other key concepts like tenant rights, the legal protections renters have under state and federal housing laws, security deposit, the money paid upfront to cover damages or unpaid rent, which must be returned within a legal timeframe, and landlord laws, the rules that govern how property owners can manage rentals, collect rent, and handle disputes. These aren’t just terms—they’re your shield. For example, if your landlord sells the building you’re renting, your lease still stands. You don’t have to leave just because the owner changed. Same goes for late rent: a landlord can’t evict you the day after you miss a payment. Most states require a 3- to 30-day notice first, depending on the reason.

Eviction is often about money, but it’s also about procedure. In Virginia, if a landlord doesn’t return your security deposit within 45 days, you can sue for double the amount. In Maryland, illegal evictions—like shutting off power or changing locks—are punishable by fines and even jail time. These aren’t edge cases. They’re standard protections built into rental law. The posts below cover exactly these situations: what happens when a landlord tries to cut corners, how to fight back, and how to make sure your rights aren’t ignored. You’ll find real examples from real states, not generic advice. Whether you’re a tenant facing a notice or a landlord trying to do things right, the information here is practical, up-to-date, and grounded in actual laws—not opinions.