I was recently humiliated in court during a landlord-tenant dispute because my roommate returned his keys to me before he left and therefore (according to the judge) I could not collect rent from him for the time I was trying to replace him (in a house I lease, not own). This is despite two contracts that clearly state he will pay for the room until he finds his own replacement. So I'm stuck paying for my room and his empty room.
If I appeal, I need a precedent or clear legal statute that says that returning the keys does not terminate our agreements. Does anyone know of at least one case opinion/court decision, or link to an opinion where a tenant's responsibilities were not terminated when he handed in the keys? The case needs to be in Maryland, preferably PG county district court or a higher court of Maryland.
If the lease was not terminated because the tenant remained at the property after returning the keys or because his property remained at the house after he returned the keys, it would be that much more helpful.
At very least, where can I search myself for this kind of information? Thanks.
If I appeal, I need a precedent or clear legal statute that says that returning the keys does not terminate our agreements. Does anyone know of at least one case opinion/court decision, or link to an opinion where a tenant's responsibilities were not terminated when he handed in the keys? The case needs to be in Maryland, preferably PG county district court or a higher court of Maryland.
If the lease was not terminated because the tenant remained at the property after returning the keys or because his property remained at the house after he returned the keys, it would be that much more helpful.
At very least, where can I search myself for this kind of information? Thanks.