Maryland Eviction Advice

[Brandon Allenczy]

Hey everyone!

I'm in a bit of an unfortunate situation. We just purchased a duplex in Hagerstown MD that is fully occupied; while we were under contract we had the seller provide the bottom unit with a 60 day notice to vacate (which is completely legal as their lease was month to month). The tenants then told me they needed more time, so I extended their date to vacate to 12/29, and gave them a cash for keys option saying if they are OUT on this day I'll pay them 1 month's rent.

My question is if they don't move out on the 29th, do I have to give them ANOTHER 30 days in the formal Notice to Quit? Or since we've already given proper notice can I legally move to the next step in the eviction process? Also, I understand the moratorium on evictions right now, but I'm hoping being served a notice will let them know we're serious about this and need them out. I don't believe these tenants meet the moratorium requirements anyway.

Any insight is appreciated!

[Brandon Allenczy]

@Russell Brazil we haven't served a formal 'Notice to Quit' yet. All we've done is told them that their lease will be ending and they need to move. We're still on good terms with the tenants right now. If they're not able to leave on the 29th then we may be able to still rectify the situation and tell them to stay there as long as they pay rent. This would less ideal than actually getting them out and be able to househack like we originally planned though. Also, I've heard that evictions are still taking place. It takes a specific tenant and an eviction for specific reasons in order for the courts to not actually carry it out. I may be wrong, but this is what I've heard from the area.