Every October, laws passed by the Maryland General Assembly impacting tenants of rental properties go into effect. Here are the new provisions Maryland renters should know:
Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024 (HB 693)
This bill creates a state Office of Landlord and Tenant Affairs, along with several new regulations for rental agreements. They are:
- Security deposits for rental properties are limited to 1 month’s rent.
- Filing fees for evictions are increased. If the landlord prevails against a tenant in court, the landlord may deduct the filing fee from the tenant’s security deposit.
- Tenants will receive a brochure outlining their rights (available in January 2025) under Maryland law at the time they sign their lease.
- When a landlord wishes to sell a rental property containing fewer than 4 units, under most circumstances the tenant will be given the opportunity to submit an offer to purchase the property.
Safety of Rental Units (HB 1117)
Landlords are responsible for keeping rental units in a condition that is fit for human habitation. When this does not occur, the court may subject landlords to payment of actual damages, abatement of rent, and lease termination. However, if a tenant makes a complaint on the condition of the rental unit in bad faith, the court can require the tenant pay court costs and fees to the landlord.
Early Lease Termination for Medical Reasons (HB 93/SB 162)
When a tenant wishes to cancel their lease due to a qualifying and doctor-certified medical condition, the termination penalty may not exceed two months’ rent.
Notice of Utility Bills (HB 139/SB 171)
For certain rental properties, a tenant pays their utility fees directly to their landlord. In these instances, a landlord will provide a notice in the lease that explains this requirement and provide a copy of the utility bill to the tenant.
Rental Assistance for Community School Families (HB 428/SB 370)
This bill creates a new program to provide rental assistance to the families of students who attend community schools that have designated concentrations of poverty and where residents are at risk of homelessness.
Shielding of Certain Court Records Relating to Evictions (SB 19/HB 181)
If an eviction proceeding does not result in a judgement against a tenant for failure to pay rent, the District Court is required to shield from public inspection all related court records within 60 days.
