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"Stand Up For Yourself in Baltimore City Rent Court"
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The Public Justice Center and Megaphone Project announce their new film collaboration --  "Stand Up For Yourself in Baltimore City Rent Court."  This 24 minute film is for the nearly 150,000 tenants who are sued for eviction for nonpayment of rent in Baltimore City's District Court every year.  Filmed in the District Court with court personnel, this film dramatizes common defenses and court room procedures that tenants will encounter, and shows tenants that by standing up for themselves, they can make sure the judge understands their side of the story.  Specific procedures are explained for:
  • making the case when the tenant disputes the amount of rent the landlord is claiming
  • raising objections if the landlord is trying to evict for a charge that is not legally considered rent
  • the tenant's right to "pay and stay" to stop an eviction;
  • asking the court to "escrow" the rent by paying it into court until the landlord repairs serious health and safety threats;
  • the notices the tenant will receive before the sheriff comes to execute the eviction; and
  • referrals for legal assistance and other help.
 
The Public Justice Center, a nonprofit legal advocacy organization based in Baltimore City, has been representing tenants in the District Court for over two decades.  The Megaphone Project is nonprofit film production company that provides accessible film making to educate, advocate, and celebrate the work of Maryland's nonprofits. Funding for this film was provided by the 32nd Street Farmers Market Foundation, the Abell Foundation, the Baltimore Bar Foundation, and the Maryland Legal Services Corporation.

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