What’s the Renter’s Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024? House Bill 693 updated Maryland’s landlord-tenant laws with some key changes.

For nonpayment of rent complaints, the filing fee for landlords has gone up, and they can only charge this to tenants if they win a court judgment and the lease allows for it. If a court awards a surcharge, it can’t exceed the tenant’s security deposit.

When it comes to security deposits, landlords can now only charge up to one month’s rent, which is a change from the previous two-month limit. They also can’t keep the deposit for lease breaches unless they can prove actual damages or a legally authorized surcharge.

Please click ‘HERE’ to see the most updated pricing for Failure to Pay, Breach of Lease, Wrongful Detainer, and Tenant Holdover. 

Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights

The Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act establishes an Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs to make sure tenants have access to resources that help them understand and exercise their rights under state law. This office will provide information on how to report legal violations, access financial counseling, and notify authorities about housing discrimination. They’re also responsible for developing a Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights.

Landlords are required to give tenants the latest version of the Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights when they sign the lease.

Tenant’s Right of First Refusal

House Bill 693 updates the rules for residential rental properties, requiring owners to notify tenants in writing about their right to make an offer to buy the property before it’s listed for sale, with some exceptions. This right of first refusal can be quite complex, and if a property owner doesn’t follow the rules, a tenant can file a notice that could complicate the sale process.

Most of these changes will take effect on October 1, 2025, impacting all landlords and property owners in Maryland.