So, with the company I personally work with, they told us that the law overrides the lease. This is because, if this goes to the housing court, the judge will side with the law, not the lease. The corporate office knows this, and if you push them, if they’re not stupid, they’ll follow the law.

Most of our policies are based on what will stand in a court vs. what we want to do. Like, my company used to charge $50 for a parking permit that wasn’t returned. But during COVID, the Baltimore judges stopped letting landlords charge for that because, “is a sticker worth $50?” No, it’s worth $.02.

Also, another pro tip, if you’re ever charged for damages, ask for the invoice. If it was done in house (trash removal is a big one) they can’t charge for that anymore. If there isn’t an invoice, you can contest the charge, and you will win.