To get an idea of how these professional slugs operate and how the system protects them, watch the movie "Pacific Heights"
FIRST, Change Your LOCKS...
Second, SELL Every Rental Property You Own...
Some info for Landlords
Landlord/Tenant Handbook from MD Attorney General Website:
http://www.oag.state.md.us/consumer/landlords.htm
Right now Security Deposit earns 3% (changes to 1.5% January 1, 2015), Except in PG COUNTY where it is and where it will still be after January 1, 2015 4%.
Make sure you document the condition when the tenant moves in a give a copy to the tenant. No move in report and you end up in court you will likely lose the "he said she said" dispute about the hole in the wall and if it was there when the tenant took possession.
Starting January 1, 2015 ALL rental homes built prior to 1978 will be REQUIRED to be registered with MD Dept. of Environment (Lead Law). It does not matter what year the house was renovated the year on the tax record rules.
July 1, 2013 - At turn over in tenancy rental homes are required to have smoke detectors in all bedrooms that have an internal 10-year battery (no more 9 volts). In PG County CO Detector is required on all levels if you have an attached garage (Even if there is no oil or gas at the property)
PG County REQUIRES a Landlord License. No License and the tenant finds out they are not required to pay rent. Also if you are in an HOA you have to provide PG County proof you are current in your HOA dues, before they will issue and renew (new policy this year).
Good Luck Ladies and Gentlemen.
If you've got a house older than '78 don't even think about using it as a tenant house. Read the lead laws and it will quickly change your mind. That was what got me out of the landlord business!
Keep it in small claims. Waive part of it as good faith and realise that the court may reduce the judgement anyway and you will never see court costs. Get the judgement. Then decide if you want to spend time and money collecting... but the judgement will be find able and follow them around for while thus will help others not be taken in the same way...
If they ever try and buy a car.... or anything else they will come to you to settle..
Plus you can potentially sell the bad debt and make it someone else's problem.
Do not start with real lawyers for such a low amount..
That's what I would do... but since I am also not local I would need an Atty either way..
Just an opinion...
If the judge rules with you can't you get a collection agency involved or somehow hit their credit?