Bill > SB651

This bill allows Maryland counties to establish local "good cause" eviction laws that restrict landlords from terminating residential leases or refusing to renew leases without legitimate reasons. Specifically, the bill defines numerous acceptable grounds for lease termination, such as tenant breaches of lease terms, illegal activities, repeated lease violations, non-payment of rent, or the landlord's good faith need to use the property personally. The law would only apply to landlords owning six or more residential rental units in the state, and it requires landlords to consistently enforce lease breaches across all tenants. Landlords must provide written notice stating the specific good cause for non-renewal or termination, and if claiming exemption from the law, must disclose detailed ownership information. The bill creates a standardized process where landlords must use an official form developed by the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs to communicate lease termination reasons, and it prohibits counties from creating additional grounds for good cause beyond those specified in the legislation. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving counties and landlords time to prepare for the new requirements.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0651?ys=2025RS