Housing Justice

HB449,sponsored by Del. Smith, expands the Renters Tax Credit by making it retroactive for up to three years. This legislation, sponsored by Del. Stephanie Smith, will triple the amount that certain low-income tenants are eligible to receive. Our SOAR program works with many older adults and this law will assist thousands by increasing their financial security through these retroactive tax credits.

HB521, sponsored by Del. Peña-Melnyk, creates a process that will allow for the shielding of eviction records in failure to pay rent cases that stem from a loss of income related to the Covid-19 pandemic. This legislation ensures that renters impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic can stay housed and are able to find affordable housing in the future.

HB191/ SB607, sponsored by Del. Charles Sydnor and Sen. Katie Fry Hester, eliminates the widow’s penalty in home-owners insurance. Because single people pay more than married people for home insurance, many grieving widows and widowers experienced more expensive policies after their partner passed away. Now, homeowners who have lost their spouse will no longer see an increase to their home insurance costs.

HB161/SB96, sponsored by Del. Nick Mosby and Sen. Mary Washington, removes water bills from the tax sale process and ensures that homeowners do not lose their residences (and generational wealth) for an unpaid water bill.

HB380/SB265, sponsored by Del. Jay Walker and Sen. Craig Zucker, provides important relief to Maryland families who have already lost their homes and should not be taxed on mortgage-related debt that has been forgiven.

HB305/SB158, sponsored by Del. Jimmy Tarlau and Sen. Jim Rosapepe, requires the state to notify eligible homeowners about the Homestead Tax Credit. This legislation will reach the 470,500 homeowners who have not applied for this tax credit and alert them to their eligibility; potentially saving each applicant thousands of dollars.

HB378/SB322, sponsored by Del. Jimmy Tarlau and Sen. Paul Pinsky, creates a statewide notification program for homeowners who may be eligible for the Homeowner’s Tax Credit

HB1035/SB439, sponsored by Del. Nathaniel Oaks and Sen. Nathaniel McFadden, raises the minimum debt owed that could trigger a tax sale from $250 to $750.

HB728, sponsored by Del. Doyle Niemann, extends the time homeowners can opt into foreclosure mediation and adds transparency to the documentation process for notice of intent to foreclose.

HB79, sponsored by Del. Donna Stifler, expands the scope of the Maryland Mortgage Fraud Protection Act to prohibit the creation or production of a document that contains a deliberate misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission with the intent that the document be relied on by a mortgage lender, borrower, or any other party to the mortgage lending process.