Real Estate

The Summary Ejectment procedure in Baltimore City is designed to protect a landlord by quickly recovering the property when a tenant does not pay rent.  But the specific procedures must be followed specifically, or the process will be long and ineffective rather than summary and efficient. When a tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord can bring an action for repossession of the property in the District Court in which the property is located, or what is known as a “summary ejectment action.” See Md. Code Ann, Real Prop. §8-401; see also Balt. City. Pub. Local Laws §§ 9-1–9-8. This…

The 2022 session of the Maryland legislature saw the passage of several bills applicable to condominium and community associations. These laws took effect on October 1, 2022, and will impact the operations of these associations going forward.  This article discusses four of these laws: (1) Dispute/Settlement Hearings: (2) Reserve Studies; and (3) Reserved Parking for Electric Vehicles; and (4) Certain Disclosures from the Board to Owners. Dispute Settlement/Hearings.  There are now new procedural requirements that a condominium or community association must follow prior to the imposition of sanctions against any owner, for violations occurring after October 1, 2022. Under the…

Baltimore City strictly follows licensure law for landlords of residential housing.  Any landlord who rents out residential housing is required to have a license to do so. Baltimore City Code, Art. 13, §5-4(a)(1). The Code further states that the landlord cannot collect rent from a tenant unless the unit is properly licensed. Art. 13, §5-4(a)(2). To get licensed, the landlord must first complete the online property registration with the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development. Along with the registration, the landlord must also submit a passing inspection report conducted by a State-licensed inspector registered with Baltimore City, up-to-date…