Maryland Home Improvement PSI Practice Exam

What is the most likely consequence for a landlord who fails to provide essential services as required by local law?

1. Increased taxes.

2. Potential lawsuit for breach of contract.

3. Eviction of the tenant.

4. Loss of property.

The correct answer is: Potential lawsuit for breach of contract.

A landlord who fails to provide essential services, as required by local law, can be subject to a potential lawsuit for breach of contract. In many jurisdictions, a lease agreement is considered a binding contract between the landlord and the tenant. This agreement typically includes the obligation for the landlord to provide certain essential services, such as heat, hot water, and basic plumbing. If the landlord neglects these duties, the tenant has the right to seek legal recourse. Lawsuits for breach of contract can involve claims for damages incurred by the tenant due to the lack of essential services, which might include the cost of finding alternate housing or any difficulties faced as a result of not having those services. It is an essential concept in tenant-landlord relations that upholding the terms within the lease not only protects the tenant's rights but also mitigates the landlord's legal exposure. Options regarding increased taxes, eviction of the tenant, or loss of property do not directly pertain to the immediate legal implications of failing to provide the services outlined in a lease agreement per local laws. These outcomes may stem from various factors but are not the immediate consequence of a landlord's failure to meet their service obligations.