Maryland tenants
2025 End of Session Report
Yesterday was the last day of the legislative session and although it was a cool, gray, rainy day, there were still moments when the rain stopped, and the sun burst through. This is an apt description of this year's legislative session as well. At a time when economic protections and policies to promote racial equity are being decimated, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is currently on life support, Maryland’s General Assembly passed some great bills, some good bills, and some very bad bills for working families. Below are some of the bills that Economic Action was thrilled to lead ...
Post-Crossover Update: Heading To the Finish Line
Last Monday, March 17 wasn’t just St. Patrick’s Day. It was also ‘crossover day,’ the day by which a bill had to pass out of one chamber of the General Assembly in order to have a good chance of final passage by Sine Die, the last day of the 2025 legislative session on Monday, April 7. It wasn’t the luck of the Irish, it was the hard work of our policy team, our bill sponsors, our partners and supporters that led to 14 bills we’ve led and supported making it across this critical legislative hurdle. A few highlights include: HB268/SB981: ...
Urge Your Maryland Senator to Vote YES on SB609
Background In 2023 53.3% of Maryland tenants spent more than 30% of their income on rent. The real costs of housing, insurance, utilities, and food prices have increased 22% since 2020. In 2024, our Baltimore City clients saw a 13% increase in rents from 2023, more than double the average for clients in other counties/cities outside the Baltimore metro region. Apartment complexes in Maryland have been using private tenant data to fix prices and increase rent by colluding with RealPage, a company that provides revenue management software to apartment complexes. This software collects private data on rental prices and uses ...
Maryland Eviction Shielding Law Goes Into Effect
As of October 1, 2024, a Maryland tenant has the right to file an application with the District Court to shield court records that relate to eviction filings if the tenant paid the amount owed prior to the eviction and stayed in the property, and if it's been 12 months since the eviction order was issued. You can use this form and file with the correct District Court location. Also, the Maryland District Court is required to shield all the Failure to Pay Rent (FTPR) eviction records within 60 days of the final resolution of the case, and the case ...
Maryland County Code Enforcement, Inspection, and Zoning Agencies
Click on a link below to go to that county's code enforcement office, and procedures for filing a complaint. Each link will have contact information for each Maryland code enforcement agency. Allegany County Anne Arundel County Baltimore City Baltimore County Calvert County Caroline County Carroll County Cecil County Charles County Dorchester County Frederick County Garrett County Harford County Howard County Kent County: (410) 778-7437 Montgomery County Prince George's County Queen Anne's County St. Mary's County Somerset County Talbot County Washington County Wicomico County Worcester County   Â
2024 Legislative Session: HB832/SB839 and HB328 Bill Signing
On Thursday, May 16th, we celebrated as two of our priority bills from the 2024 Legislative Session were signed into law by Governor Moore. HB832/SB839, sponsored by Delegate Vaughn Stewart and Senator Charles Sydnor, allows nominal damages to be awarded for violations of consumer laws. HB328, sponsored by Delegate Lesley Lopez, prohibits Maryland hospitals from using geographic service area tests and non-monetary asset tests to deny income-eligible patients free or reduced cost care.
News for Prince George’s County Tenants
Prince George's County Rent Stabilization Act Extended to October 17, 2024 On April 17, 2024, CB-008-2024 went into effect, extending the Rent Stabilization Act to October 17, 2024. Pursuant to the Rent Stabilization Act, CB-07-2023 and CB-51-2023, a landlord may not raise the existing rent above three percent (3%) per year. The three percent cap applies to tenants who are currently residing in their units and are renewing their leases during the effective period. The law applies to landlords who use month-to-month rental agreements or agreements/contracts to become month-to-month agreements after a fixed term. The rent increase limitation is applied ...
NEW: City of Frederick Rental Registration and Licensing Law
Starting January 1, 2024, landlords who own rental properties in the City of Frederick will be required to hold a valid rental license. The fee will be $240.00 and the license will be valid for a period of two years. In preparation for the upcoming requirement, the City has developed an online portal for landlords to register rental properties to prepare for the launch of the Rental Licensing Ordinance, an initiative aimed at ensuring safe housing for all renters in Frederick. Under the Rental Licensing Ordinance, rental units are mandated to meet specific standards, ensuring the safety, health, and comfort ...
Did You Know? Maryland is a Pay and Stay State
Maryland tenants have the right to pay all money owed after your landlord files for eviction, and stay in the home. This applies even when the sheriff or constable shows up to carry out the eviction. Even if the landlord still wants to evict you, the landlord is required to accept the money and allow you to stay. You must pay the full balance, including fees or court costs. There is an exception to this rule: You have three or more judgements against you in previous eviction cases, within the past 12 months Four or more judgements against you in ...
Renters’ Tax Credit Program
What is the Maryland Renters' Tax Credit Program? The Maryland Renter’s Tax Credit Program provides financial assistance to help low-income tenants with their rent. Although the program has been around for decades, few people eligible for the Maryland Renter’s Tax Credit even know it exists! The Renters' Tax Credit Program provides property tax credits for renters who meet certain requirements. The plan was modeled after and designed to be similar in principle to the Homeowners' Tax Credit Program, which is known to many as the ...