If you are a landlord dealing with a troublesome tenant, help is available and you do not have to handle it alone.
At Kunka Law, LLC, Matt Kunka has partnered with Phillip Chalker to represent landlords in landlord tenant matters throughout Maryland. We handle the legal process start to finish so you can protect your property, enforce your lease, and move forward with clarity.
🏠 Understanding Maryland Landlord Tenant Law
Landlord tenant disputes are highly procedural and the rules depend on where the property is located. A strong landlord strategy starts with doing the basics correctly, especially:
- Proper notices: The type of notice and how it must be delivered can determine whether your case moves forward or gets delayed.
- The right filing for the right situation: Nonpayment, breach of lease, and holdover matters are not the same and require the correct approach.
- Documentation that holds up in court: Leases, ledgers, communications, inspection photos, and repair records often decide the outcome.
In Maryland, many landlord cases are handled in District Court and can move quickly once filed. In Washington, DC, landlord cases often involve additional rules and tenant protections that make compliance and timing especially important. The best path is to start with a clear plan tailored to the jurisdiction.
⚖️ Why Choice of Attorney Matters
Landlord cases are not just forms. A mistake in notice, service, or filing can set you back weeks or months. These cases often involve:
- Preparing and serving the correct notices
- Choosing the correct case type: nonpayment, breach of lease, holdover, or other relief
- Presenting a clean rent ledger and payment history
- Building proof of violations with photos, inspection notes, and communications
- Handling court timelines, continuances, and compliance requirements
- Negotiating move out agreements, consent judgments, payment plans, or settlements when they make financial sense
- Protecting you from avoidable risk, including claims that can arise from improper process
A lawyer who does not regularly handle landlord tenant matters may miss the procedural details that make the difference between a fast resolution and a drawn out mess.
⏱️ Landlord Tenant Facts and Why Timely Action Is Key
Timing matters in landlord tenant law.
Unpaid rent can stack quickly, but delays often make recovery harder. Holdover cases can prevent you from re renting or selling. Lease violations and property damage can worsen the longer they continue. And the longer a dispute drags on, the more likely you are to lose leverage and spend more money.
Early action also helps preserve the evidence that wins cases, including:
- Lease and addendums
- Rent ledger and payment proof
- Notices sent and delivery confirmation
- Photos or video of conditions and damage
- Contractor estimates and inspection notes
- Texts, emails, and written communications
🧾 Our Process for Landlords in Maryland and Washington, DC
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Free Consultation (no obligation) | We review the lease, rent ledger, notices, and timeline, then map the fastest lawful path forward. |
| 2. Prepare and Serve Notices | We draft the correct notices and advise on compliant service so your case does not get derailed. |
| 3. File and Manage the Case | We file in the proper court, handle pleadings, track deadlines, and present your documentation clearly. |
| 4. Demand and Negotiate | If a business minded resolution is possible, we pursue payment agreements or move out terms that protect you. |
| 5. Hearing or Trial (if needed) | We represent you in court and pursue possession and other available relief under the lease and applicable law. |
Fee arrangements vary by matter. We explain costs clearly during your consultation.
⭐ Recent Reviews (Verified via Google Business Profile)
Matt Kunka is an outstanding attorney. He provides exceptional customer service, listens attentively, and approaches every situation with a non-judgmental attitude. His professionalism, knowledge of the law, and prompt communication truly set him apart. Throughout my experience, he consistently kept me informed and updated, which made a significant difference. I would highly recommend his services to anyone in need of legal support—you’ll be in good hands.
Matt Kunka is an extremely competent, vigilant, persistent, knowledgeable, and kind attorney. Our son had some legal issues over COVID and it took over four years to resolve, resulting in the best outcome we could have hoped for. Matt was not only diligent and available this whole time, he went above and beyond to represent our son in the best possible way, providing support and hope along the way. We have sincerely thanked him many times for his outstanding service, and he is very humble, refusing extra compensation. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts for all he has done for our son and our family, and wish him all the very best in his future endeavors.
Matt is an incredibly hardworking and trustworthy lawyer. He’s made some of the most stressful and difficult times in my life worry free, explaining each step of the way and doing everything in his power to get you the results you want. Not only does he provide knowledgeable representation, but he’s cost effective and understanding of financial situations. I wouldn’t want anyone but Matt handling my court cases and my future.
I can’t thank Matt Kunka enough for his outstanding support and expertise in handling my cases. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and fully committed to securing the best possible outcome for me. Matt guided me through every step of the legal process, patiently answering my questions and providing clear, strategic advice. He made me feel like a top priority, ensuring that my voice was heard and my concerns addressed. His courtroom skills and keen attention to detail made a significant difference in my case, and I felt truly supported throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for a skilled, dedicated, and compassionate criminal lawyer, I highly recommend Matt Kunka.
Matt is an amazing attorney! He puts his all into showcasing his client’s strengths and personal accomplishments to a judge. He made my family and I feel comforted during a very dark time where we felt like there was no coming back from a very unfortunate auto incident. Matt was always personable and would handle things in a very swift and prompt manner. We are so grateful for everything he has done for us, he is the best!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
–What if my tenant has not paid rent for months?
We will review your lease, ledger, and notices to determine the correct filing and the quickest path toward possession and enforcement.
–What happens if the tenant refuses to leave after the lease ends?
Holdover matters require the right notice and filing. We can pursue a court ordered outcome so you can regain control of the unit.
–Can I handle this without going to court?
Sometimes. We often negotiate move out agreements, payment plans, or written settlements when it is in your best financial interest, but we prepare every case as if it may go to a hearing.
–Can you handle my property outside Glen Burnie?
Yes. Matt Kunka and Phillip Chalker represent landlords throughout Maryland and Washington, DC.
✅ Final Thought and Next Steps
You are not asking for special treatment. You are asking for your lease to be enforced and your property protected. With the right strategy and proper documentation, landlord tenant issues can often be resolved efficiently.
📞 Call (410) 787-0110 or message us here for a free, no risk consult.
📝 Online intake form: Expect a timely response.
🏠 Protect your property, enforce your rights, and move forward with confidence.
Prefer email? You can also reach us at [email protected].