Bill > S2644

This bill aims to promote energy conservation in residential buildings by establishing new rights for homeowners and condominium unit owners to install energy-conserving windows, even in situations where homeowners' associations or condominium organizations might previously have restricted such modifications. The legislation creates two new legal frameworks: one for condominiums (Chapter 183A) and another for other types of homeowners' associations (Chapter 183D). Under these provisions, homeowners can submit written requests to install windows in new locations, provided they can demonstrate the windows will improve energy efficiency through increased natural light, ventilation, or passive solar gain. To ensure quality and safety, the proposed windows must be certified by a registered architect as structurally sound and architecturally compatible. Homeowners' associations must respond to such requests within 45 days and cannot unreasonably deny them; any denial must be based on specific health, safety, structural, or architectural concerns. The bill also invalidates any existing rules or restrictions that would prohibit such energy-conserving window installations, and it provides homeowners the right to seek legal recourse, including potential attorney's fees, if their request is unreasonably denied. The new law would take effect 90 days after its passage, applying to both condominium and non-condominium residential developments.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2644