Maryland’s General Assembly passed several bills this spring that can help homeowners needing assistance, having issues with tenants and trespassers, or facing the unexpected. Some of this legislation is already in effect, while others will be soon. Here’s what you should know:
For Homeowners Targeted by Squatters
Effective October 1, 2025
One unfortunate byproduct of Maryland’s housing shortage has been a rise in “squatting” – where trespassers move into a home that is temporarily vacant and claim to be the rightful resident. For the property’s actual owners, it could take months to try to remove the squatters. Rather than treat squatters like legal renters, Maryland will now expedite these claims through the court process, moving them to the front of the line for consideration. This will allow judges to quickly determine who has legal rights to occupy the home and remove those who do not.
Learn more: SB 46
For Homeowners Facing Emergencies
Effective July 1, 2025
Sometimes homeowners or their occupants need emergency assistance from police or fire and rescue services. Unfortunately, some areas of Maryland placed limits on the number of calls that could be made from a particular property, and fined residents who made more than that. Through legislation, counties and cities across the state are prohibited from enacting or enforcing call limits to emergency services.
For the Homeowner with a Septic System
Effective July 1, 2026
Replacing a failing septic system can be expensive. But for certain properties, financial assistance may be available from the state’s Bay Restoration Fund. This bill expands program eligibility to failing systems in the broader Chesapeake Bay watershed and those in the 500-year floodplain. Assistance also remains available for those upgrading their systems to the Best Available Technology (BAT) and some septic pump out services.
For the Homeowner Facing Divorce
Effective October 1, 2025
When married couples divorce, a common consideration is how one party can keep the family home. Couples who jointly own the home and are named together on the mortgage must often refinance to separate their interests in the property, which can mean giving up low interest rates or other favorable mortgage terms. This bill requires banking institutions, credit unions, and mortgage lenders to include a provision in all conventional home mortgage loans that allows any of the existing borrowers to assume the mortgage in the event of a divorce. This applies to both new and existing mortgages, but the divorce decree must be entered on or after October 1, 2025.
For Service Members Renting Their Homes
Effective October 1, 2025
When members of the military receive a temporary duty assignment, they may seek to rent their home instead of selling it. However, when the assignment ends and they want to move back home, they may find that their tenant isn’t leaving as the lease requires. In these cases, active-duty service members can receive an expedited hearing in District Court (within 45 days) to seek removal of the tenant staying over.
Learn more: SB 32
