Eviction in Howard County: A Landlord’s Guide to Selling Without the Stress

If you are a landlord in Howard County dealing with a non-paying tenant, a squatter, or a lease violation, you know the frustration firsthand. Whether your property is in Columbia, Ellicott City, or Laurel, a bad tenant can turn a profitable investment into a financial nightmare.

In Howard County, the eviction process is handled by the District Court of Maryland in Ellicott City and enforced by the Howard County Sheriff’s Office. While the area is affluent, the eviction process is strict, and the county aggressively enforces rental licensing compliance.

This guide is designed to help landlords in Savage, Jessup, and Clarksville understand the specific Maryland eviction timeline and how to sell your rental property with the tenant in place to stop the bleeding immediately.

The Howard County Eviction Timeline (The “Hard Way”)

Evictions in Maryland are governed by Real Property Article § 8-401. In Howard County, you must follow these steps precisely.

Step 1: The 10-Day Notice of Intent You can no longer file for eviction the day rent is late. You must first send a written “Notice of Intent to File a Complaint for Summary Ejectment”.

  • The Rule: You must give the tenant 10 days after receiving this notice to pay the rent before you can file in court.
  • Delivery: It must be sent via first-class mail (with a certificate of mailing) AND posted on the door.

2026 Pro Tip – The DILP License Trap: In Howard County, you cannot file for eviction if you do not have a current, valid Rental License issued by the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP). If you file without a license number, the judge will dismiss your case immediately.

Step 2: Filing the “Failure to Pay Rent” (FTP) If the tenant hasn’t paid after the 10-day notice, you file Form DC-CV-082 (Failure to Pay Rent) at the District Court.

  • Where: 3451 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.
  • The Cost: The filing fee is approximately $50.00 plus $5.00 per tenant for service.
  • Hearing Date: The court will schedule a “Rent Court” hearing, typically 2-3 weeks later.

Step 3: The “Rent Court” Hearing You (or your agent) must appear in court. If the judge rules in your favor, you get a “Judgment for Possession.”

  • 4-Day Appeal: After the judgment, the tenant has 4 days to appeal.

Step 4: The Warrant of Restitution Winning the judgment does not evict the tenant. If they refuse to leave, you must file a Petition for Warrant of Restitution (Form DC-CV-081) to order the Sheriff to evict them.

  • Deadline: You cannot file this until 4 days after the judgment.
  • The Cost: Filing fee is $40.00.

Step 5: The Sheriff’s Eviction The Sheriff will schedule the eviction date.

  • Movers Required: In Howard County, you typically must hire a moving crew (or have sufficient manpower) to remove all furniture and chattels to the curb.
  • Right of Redemption: The tenant can “Pay to Stay” by paying the full judgment amount (cash or certified funds) up until the Sheriff arrives. They can use this right once every 12 months.

The Hidden Costs of Eviction

Evicting a tenant in Howard County is expensive.

  • Lost Rent: The process (10-Day Notice + Court Wait + Warrant + Sheriff Scheduling) often takes 3-5 months. In expensive markets like Columbia or Clarksville, that is $8,000 – $18,000+ in lost income.
  • Legal Fees: If the tenant contests the case or claims you are an “unlicensed landlord,” your legal fees can skyrocket.
  • Restoration: Angry tenants often leave the property in shambles—requiring thousands in repairs before you can rent it again.

Your Options: Evict or Sell?

Option 1: Finish the Eviction (Keep the Stress) You continue paying the mortgage and taxes while receiving zero rent. You navigate the “Rent Court” system in Ellicott City and hope the tenant doesn’t find a loophole in your DILP license.

Option 2: Sell With the Tenant In Place (Walk Away) You can sell the property today, regardless of the tenant situation.

We Buy Howard County Rental Properties.

  • We Buy the Lease: We inherit the “bad” tenant. You don’t need to evict them.
  • We Buy As-Is: If the tenant trashed the unit, we don’t care. We buy it in current condition.
  • Cash Closing: We can close in as little as 10-14 days, putting cash in your pocket and ending your landlord liability instantly.

Important Contact Information

  • District Court of Maryland for Howard County
    • Address: 3451 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
    • Phone: (410) 480-7700
    • Website: mdcourts.gov/district
  • Howard County Sheriff’s Office (Landlord Tenant)

Stop The Bleeding. Sell Your Rental Today.

If you are tired of chasing rent, dealing with squatters, or navigating the Howard County District Court, we can help. Fill out the form below for a fair cash offer on your rental property.

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Disclaimer: Consistent Homebuyers is a real estate investment firm, not a law firm or financial institution. We do not provide legal or tax advice. We recommend all clients consult with their own legal counsel regarding estate matters.