Each year, October 1 marks the effective date of a host of Maryland laws, including those impacting real estate. Maryland REALTORS® issued an update of the following new laws for consumers, real estate licensees, and property managers that took effect October 1, 2025:
“Wholesaling” Disclosure: A “wholesaler” must provide a disclosure to both the property seller and prospective buyer if a contract will be assigned. If the disclosure is not provided, the contract to purchase may be terminated without penalty prior to settlement.
Continuing Education Requirements: Continuing education requirements for licensees are adjusted as follows: Fair Housing hours are increased from 1.5 to 2.0; commercial practitioners are required to complete 2.0 hours of ADA compliance; and broker supervision is reduced to 1.5 hours.
Wrongful Detainer for Squatters: This creates an expedited wrongful detainer process to assist with fraudulent possession of residential properties by squatters.
Eviction Notice Procedures: Landlords will provide notice to a tenant when a court has issued a warrant of restitution for a failure of a tenant to pay rent, a breach of lease, or a tenant holding over listing the initial date of eviction as set by the courts.
Pet Policy Disclosure: Landlords must provide the property's pet policy on the property's website and as part of an application form for a rental unit on the property.
Notice of Landlord Entry: A landlord must provide written notice to the tenant at least 24 hours prior to planned entry into the unit, unless an emergency exists. A landlord may only enter between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, or as agreed to by the tenant.
Late Payment Calculations: Landlords may charge a late penalty of 5% of the amount of the unpaid rent rather than of the total amount due.
Mortgage Loan Assumption: 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.
Lauren Bunting is a Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.
