I was displaced from my rental unit for over a month. Am I entitled to a refund of the rent I paid?

Question

I was displaced from my rental unit for over a month. Am I entitled to a refund of the rent I paid?

Anonymous Aug 5, 2015 7 views 2 answers

A sewer line broke under my unit and they had to basically gut the unit to repair it. For the first two weeks my renter's insurance did not kick in (issue with wording on the notice to temporarily vacate) so I was basically homeless. Renter's insurance paid for a hotel for the remainder. During the entire time my landlord made no attempt to provide me with alternative housing so should I get my rent back? (I had already paid it before the maintenance started) If so, for how much of the duration should they repay?

Patrick Hanifin · Answer 1 · 2026-06-15T15:40:01+00:00

Patrick Hanifin

Patrick Hanifin · Jun 15, 2026

You may be entitled to a refund of the entire month.

0 upvotes

Florian Eqrem TabakuFamily Law AttorneyBethesda, MD · Answer 2 · 2026-06-15T15:40:01+00:00

Because you were temporarily constructively evicted from your residence you would not be required to pay for the period which you were not occupying the premises due to the premises being uninhabitable. You can demand that the landlord applies your previous payment toward the following month's rent. Until you have confirmation in writing that the landlord will do so, you should still place the rent payment for the following month in an escrow account.

I was displaced from my rental unit for over a month. Am I entitled to a refund of the rent I paid?

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