The Maryland General Assembly's Environment and Transportation (ENT) Committee convened on January 14, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding housing and tenant rights in the state. The session highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by renters, particularly in the context of rising costs and eviction rates.

The meeting began with a presentation on the financial pressures affecting Maryland renters, emphasizing that over 46% of renter households are considered cost burdened. This statistic is particularly alarming among the poorest households, where 86% are cost burdened, and 34% are severely burdened. The discussion underscored the persistent issue of rent inflation, which has been exacerbated by market dynamics and alleged price-fixing practices among landlords using RealPage's software.

Committee members were informed that a significant number of renters felt pressured to move due to rising rents, with 54% reporting such pressures in 2024. The census data revealed that 33% of renters felt likely to face eviction in the near future, with higher rates among Black and Hispanic renters. Despite these pressures, many tenants expressed a desire to remain in their communities, with data indicating that renters are staying in their homes longer than in previous years.

The session also covered legislative developments aimed at protecting tenants. Good cause eviction laws, which have been enacted in several states, were discussed as potential measures to provide greater security for renters. Additionally, the committee reviewed the Access to Counsel in Evictions (ACE) program, which has shown promising results, with 88% of tenants represented able to remain in their homes. However, concerns were raised about the program's funding, which is set to expire in 2027.

The meeting concluded with a stark overview of the eviction crisis in Maryland, where landlords filed over 255,000 eviction warrants in the past year, marking a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels. The data revealed that Black households are disproportionately affected, facing eviction rates nearly three times higher than their white counterparts.

As the committee looks ahead to 2025, discussions will continue on various legislative measures aimed at improving tenant protections and addressing the ongoing housing crisis in Maryland. The session underscored the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to support vulnerable renters and ensure housing stability across the state.