RENTER RESOURCES

Renter Resources

Q: How do I report a repair?

Use the maintenance request form . It takes about three minutes and you can add photos. For an urgent problem such as a major leak, no heat, no power or a sewage backup, call (240) 916-6008 and choose the emergency option, then send the form too. If anyone is in danger or you smell gas, leave the home and call 911 first.

Who to call for utilities, the local offices you will deal with, help with bills, and your rights as a Maryland renter. Each market has its own page because the utility companies, the rental licensing office and the help available all change at the county line.

Markets: Allegany County · Baltimore City · Baltimore County · Harford County

Eastern Properties Group

226 E Union St, Cumberland, MD 21502
Office hours 9:00 to 4:00, Monday to Friday

Call or text (240) 916-6008
Email [email protected]

Repairs: maintenance request form. Urgent repair: call and choose the emergency option. Danger, fire or a gas smell: leave and call 911.

PICK YOUR MARKET

Resources by county

Allegany County

Cumberland, Frostburg, LaVale, Cresaptown, Georges Creek and the rest of the county.

Baltimore City

All Baltimore City neighborhoods.

Baltimore County

Towson, Catonsville, Dundalk, Essex, Pikesville, Parkville and the rest of the county.

Harford County

Bel Air, Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Edgewood, Abingdon, Belcamp, Fallston and the rest of the county.

GUIDES

Guides for EPG renters

Written for people who rent from us, from the day you get keys to the day your deposit comes back.

Moving in and moving out

What happens before you get keys, what to set up in your first week, how to give notice, and how the 45-day deposit rule works.

Maintenance emergencies and after-hours repairs

What counts as an emergency, who to call after hours, what to check before you call, and how fast each kind of repair is handled.

RENT AFFORDABILITY

Can you afford the rent? A quick check

We rent to households with gross income of at least 3 times the monthly rent. Use this before you book a showing so you spend your time on homes that fit.

Monthly rent

The rent on the listing, not including utilities.

Gross monthly household income

Before taxes. Add up everyone who will sign the lease, including wages, benefits, support payments and rental assistance.

The 3x rule

Enter a rent, an income, or both

We look for gross household income of at least 3 times the monthly rent. Enter the rent to see the income needed, enter your income to see the rent you qualify for, or enter both to check a specific home.

$700 rent$2,100 a month

$900 rent$2,700 a month

$1,100 rent$3,300 a month

$1,300 rent$3,900 a month

$1,500 rent$4,500 a month

This is a guide, not a decision. Pre-qualification also looks at your rental history and the number of people in the household, and every applicant is evaluated with the same criteria. Housing vouchers and other rental assistance are welcome at every home we manage; tell us about them on the form so we count them correctly. Pre-qualify to rent takes about three minutes.

EVERYWHERE IN MARYLAND

Resources that apply in every county

These are state programs and offices. Using any of them has nothing to do with your tenancy and we will never know you called.

Maryland Tenants' Bill of RightsMaryland Department of Housing and Community Development

A plain summary of renter rights and protections under federal and state law. Landlords must attach the current version to every lease, and we do. A new edition comes out each year by October 1.

Office of Tenant and Landlord AffairsMaryland DHCD

The state office that helps tenants and landlords understand their rights and responsibilities. Tenants can report a violation or ask for help with a landlord-tenant issue through this page.

Maryland Legal AidFree civil legal help for people who meet income limits888-465-2468

Housing cases, including eviction defense, from 12 offices across the state. Call the intake line to find out if you qualify.

Access to Counsel in EvictionsMaryland DHCD program

Legal help for tenants facing eviction. Linked from the state's renter resources page.

People's Law Library of MarylandMaryland Judiciary

Plain-language articles on leases, security deposits, repairs, lead paint and eviction, written by the Maryland court system's law library.

Maryland Commission on Civil RightsHousing discrimination complaints410-767-8600

Maryland law bars housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, source of income and military status. Start a complaint here if you believe you were treated unfairly.

Lead paint: your rights in a pre-1978 rentalMaryland Department of the Environment

You are entitled to a copy of the lead inspection certificate for your unit. The MDE page has a rental property search, a complaint form and a guide to getting your child tested.

Help with an electric or heating billMaryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP)

State help with electric and heating bills, and with reconnection if service has been shut off. The program year runs July 1 to June 30. Apply through the state, not through us.

Anything else, any county: 211 MarylandCall 211 from any phone211

Maryland's statewide information and referral line for food, housing, utility bills, eviction prevention, health and crisis support. The number does not change, which is why we list it first.

Food assistance (SNAP)Maryland Department of Human Services

Eligibility and applications. Apply online at MarylandBenefits or at your local Department of Social Services, listed above.

Before you move in

Set up electric, gas and water in your name before move-in day, unless your lease says a utility is included.
Buy renters insurance if your lease requires it. It covers your belongings and your liability. The owner's policy covers the building, not your things. We do not sell insurance and receive nothing for referrals. What we ask for and why.
Before any digging, including fence posts and planting, call 811 or file online with Miss Utility. It is free and it is the law.
Read the Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights. You get a copy with your lease.
Applying with us? What happens after you apply walks through the two-stage screening, the letters and the move-in costs.
Moving in or out of an EPG home: use the checklist, including how your security deposit comes back.

Common questions

Do you accept housing vouchers?

Yes, at every home we manage. Maryland law protects source of income, so a Housing Choice Voucher or other rental assistance is treated like any other income. Tell us about it on the pre-qualification form so we can plan the inspection and paperwork with your caseworker.

How do I report a repair?

Use the maintenance request form. It takes about three minutes and you can add photos. For an urgent problem such as a major leak, no heat, no power or a sewage backup, call (240) 916-6008 and choose the emergency option, then send the form too. If anyone is in danger or you smell gas, leave the home and call 911 first.

What income do I need to rent from you?

Gross household income of at least 3 times the monthly rent. For a $900 rent that is $2,700 a month before taxes. The affordability calculator on the Renter Resources page does the math for you.

Which page should I use?

The one for the county where the home is. Cumberland, Frostburg and LaVale are Allegany County. Towson, Catonsville, Dundalk and Pikesville are Baltimore County. Bel Air, Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Edgewood and Belcamp are Harford County. If the home is inside the Baltimore City line, use the Baltimore City page. Not sure? Ask us.

Ready to find a home?

See every home we manage in Western Maryland and the Baltimore area, or pre-qualify in about three minutes so we only schedule showings that fit.

Already rent from us? Send a maintenance request or see how to pay rent. Questions: call or text (240) 916-6008.