Q: Can I win a case against a college roommate for harassment in Maryland?

A: In Maryland, there is no civil cause of action specifically for “harassment.” If someone is behaving in an aggressive, disrespectful, or invasive way, like your college roommate, the legal system generally does not provide compensation unless the conduct falls under a recognized tort, such as intentional infliction of emotional distress or invasion of privacy. Maryland courts apply a very high threshold for emotional distress claims and you are light years from it. The behavior must be extreme, outrageous, and intended to cause serious emotional harm, not just inconsiderate or hostile. Without threats, discrimination, stalking, or physical danger, most roommate conflicts do not qualify.

Even if you have documentation, such as RA reports, messages, and witness statements, the value of a civil case is minimal unless you suffered significant property loss or emotional trauma backed by medical records. In small claims court, you may be able to recover the cost of any damaged or stolen property, but the emotional toll of harassment, in the absence of violence or criminal behavior, would approach zero. For most people in your position, the best route is to seek recourse through your college’s housing or disciplinary system, rather than through the courts.

But is that even worth it? How does pursuing a claim like this really advance your interests? The emotional toll of reliving the conflict, gathering evidence, and navigating even small claims court can drag out a situation you are probably trying to move on from. I don't recommend it. In most cases like this, the best outcome comes from focusing on closure and protecting your peace, rather than turning a bad roommate experience into a prolonged personal battle.

Good luck!

A: I'm really sorry you went through that. Sharing a living space with someone who disrespects your boundaries and property can take a serious toll on your well-being. It’s not just about the items that were damaged or thrown away—it’s about how that constant mistreatment made you feel and how it affected your ability to feel safe and at peace in your own home.

Since you’ve documented incidents, have photos, messages, and witnesses including RAs, you're in a strong position to show that the behavior was ongoing and that your concerns were reasonable and not ignored. While courts don’t often award large sums for emotional harm in roommate disputes, you may still have a valid small claims case for the property damage and for the principle of holding someone accountable. If your roommate’s actions rise to the level of intentional harassment or emotional distress, that could strengthen your claim.

You have every right to stand up for yourself, especially when someone crossed so many lines after being clearly told not to. Taking this step could bring you some closure and set a boundary that says how you were treated wasn’t okay. Your voice matters, and your peace matters. Don’t let anyone make you feel like it wasn’t serious just because the dollar amount is small—your experience was real.