MD Title Insurance Policy
I recently purchased a home in Maryland. I have been recently notified that the title company failed to find and disclose a tax lien against the property and open building code violations that were on file with the local municipal. According to the local municipal the house is uninhabitable, an inspection of the property by a city official reveal conditions in need of repair and work that had been done that the original owner did not obtain building permits to do. All of these items were part of public record prior to my settlement. I am being told I must tear out walls etc...to have the work done up to code standards. I am concerned because if the title company had revealed these open building violations when the title search was done, I would have been able to force the owner to remedy this situation. Can anyone tell me if they think this might be a valid claim against a home owner--name removed--title insurance policy? I am thinking of pursuing it with them.
Return of Rental Application Fee
I looked at an apartment to rent and the agent said that he required $575 to hold the apartment and to run the credit report. He called it an ''application fee'' but he really said that it was your security deposit. I considered my options and decided against moving in. The agent needed a signed letter from my employer verifying my employment status and information but did not receive it before he ran the credit application. The agent and property management company cashed my check when I left a voice mail with the agent stating I did not wish to rent the property and that he mail me my security deposit check back to me.
They are now claiming it to be an ''application fee'' and that it has been forfeited. Is this legal? I did sign the rental agreement, but it was still pending credit approval/employment verification.
Could $575 be considered an unreasonable application fee?
The agent said that he would give me my check back if I decided against renting, but now he has cashed the check and I am out one month's rent at a location I do not live in and may already be rented out.
I would appreciate the help!
