Hagerstown MD: Monthly admin fee for renting? (real estate, apartment)

[ShellieFoxFamily]

I received the lease renewal for my apartment. It is located in a complex and owned by a property management company that owns a lot of buildings. This year, they decided to institute a $12 monthly administration fee, and yes, they actually gave the reason: to offset cost associated with keeping the office open! First, I only have set foot in their office once, to sign my original paperwork after looking at the apartment, so I don't see why I should need to pay for them to be open to sell apartment leases to prospective applicants. Rent is already high and goes up each year. Second, yes, they have maintenance, but I thought that was covered by the higher than median rent. The grounds are not well kept at all, as pet owners don't pick up after their pets and honestly there is no grassy area in the complex where you could enjoy, thanks to dog poo everywhere. They fine people for violating, yet they don't clean it up so I don't know where the fine money goes, except into the property management's pockets. This just seems like another way to gouge us for money. Is this legal? Suggestions on a way to contest it, besides moving, as I am disabled and can't easily relocate.

[skeddy]

they should have just raised your rent by $12 a month

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by skeddy

they should have just raised your rent by $12 a month

Wanna bet there's a tax reason why it doesn't go into the real estate pot?

Other than that, it's a **** fee. Or an indication the management company is swirling the drain (which may be indicated by the groundskeeping). I'm surprised that they're getting away with it, Hagerstown government started an aggressive Code Enforcement program several years ago and, last I knew, has continued it.