In this jurisdiction, evictions are generally held before the District Court.
A judge decides on all the cases in District Court. There are no juries in this particular court. Under Maryland Law, landlords may not engage in self-help measures, such as changing the locks and forcibly removing the tenant and removing any of tenant’s possessions
The eviction process begins with a complaint from the landlord to the tenant. The complaint and summons must be “served” to the person named in the court process (usually the tenant) with a specified time-frame and according to the law.
A landlord may be able to take legal action when a tenant is late with rent, the tenant fails to leave after the lease has expired, the tenant breaches the lease (e.g. commits waste or fails to repair damages as directed by the lease.) or a roommate or a squatter fails to leave.
The judge listens to both parties present their version of the dispute. Evidence such as copies of the lease, letters, photographs and other appropriate documents are proffered to the Court at this time. In some circumstances the Court can enter a monetary judgment for the amount of rent due and the costs of the suit.
If Landlord wins judgment then a Petition for Warrant of Restitution (eviction order) should be filed within 60 days for the Sheriff, if need be, to forcefully evict the Tenant. It is strongly recommended to seek the counsel of an attorney, preferably one that is experienced in landlord-tenant matters, before attempting to evict a tenant.