In 2022, the Maryland State Legislature convened on January 12th and adjourned on April 11th. Maryland REALTORS® issues a report each year on the Maryland Legislative session to summarize the legislation that affects the real estate industry. Below is the final wrap up from the past two articles providing those items that passed:
HB 1097- Task Force on Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity; Effective June 1, 2022
Requires the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to oversee a Task Force on Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity. The Task Force would be required to include representatives from various real estate related business including REALTORS. The Task Force must report its findings to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before October 31,2023.
HB 615- Real Property- Condominium and Homeowners Associations- Dispute Settlement; Effective October 1, 2022
Establishes a dispute resolution process for HOAs that is similar to the process for condos. It applies to complaints initiated after October 1, 2022 unless the bylaws state an alternative process. In general, the dispute settlement procedures establish that a violator of the bylaws must be given notice and time to correct the violation before fines may be imposed.
HB 318 Environment- On-Site Wastewater Services- Regulation; Effective July 1, 2022
Establishes the Board of On-Site Wastewater Professionals within the Maryland Department of Environment. The Board will regulate individuals engaged in most on-site wastewater services except for inspectors engaged during a property transfer. Property transfer inspectors are already regulated by MDE and must have a license to conduct inspections starting July 1, 2022.
HB 86/ SB6- Landlord and Tenant- Residential Leases- Tenant rights and Protections (Tenant Protection Act of 2022); Effective October 1, 2022
Bill makes four changes to law. It requires a landlord who uses a Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS) to disclose that to a prospective tenant and provide a statement detailing the methodology used and the average monthly utility costs of tenants (for calendar year). Landlords must also provide an itemized list of the damages repaired when returning a security deposit or an estimate of anticipated costs. Apartment facilities must provide tenant groups with free meeting space at least once a month. Finally, the bill expands the law allowing victims of abuse to break a lease.
Lauren Bunting is an Associate Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.
Lauren Bunting is a Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.
