The recent ENT Committee session on January 14, 2025, spotlighted the implications of the Renter's Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024, a significant piece of legislation aimed at enhancing tenant protections in Maryland. The act, which was passed by both the committee and the general assembly, establishes an Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs within the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and mandates the inclusion of a tenant bill of rights in every lease.

Key provisions of the act include extending the time between judgment for possession and execution of eviction warrants, introducing a tenant's right of first refusal, and expanding the collection of eviction data by the judiciary. However, the act also raises the filing fee surcharge by a staggering 435% and prohibits landlords from passing these costs onto tenants in failure-to-pay-rent cases.

One of the most contentious changes is the elimination of the two-month security deposit requirement, previously used to qualify applicants who did not meet income and credit screenings. This change has raised concerns among landlords, who fear it will lead to a decrease in qualified applicants. Recent surveys indicate that nearly 45% of denials for housing could have been avoided if the two-month deposit rule were still in effect.

As the law has only been in effect since October 1, 2024, its long-term effects remain uncertain. While some landlords continue to file evictions monthly, others are hesitant, fearing that the new regulations may complicate the eviction process. The committee plans to monitor these trends closely as the judiciary begins to report data on eviction rates and housing qualifications in the coming months. The discussions highlight a critical balancing act between tenant protections and the realities faced by landlords in Maryland's evolving housing landscape.