Bill > HB537

This bill establishes a comprehensive bill of rights for individuals who own property in common ownership communities, which include condominiums, cooperative housing corporations, and homeowners associations. These rights are designed to ensure fair treatment and participation for all residential owners, who are defined as members, unit owners, or lot owners within these communities. Key provisions grant owners the right to be recognized as members when subject to liens and mandatory assessments, to participate in community meetings, and to have their governing body consider their priorities when approving budgets and managing community facilities. Owners are entitled to an annual budget that prioritizes their facilities and services, and they have the right to use community facilities and services at a cost no more than half of what non-resident owners would pay, with priority given to resident owners if capacity is limited. The bill also ensures fair treatment in repaying community debts, the right to vote by secret ballot for governing body members in fair elections, and the ability to recall board members. Furthermore, owners have the right to receive advance notice of meetings, participate remotely, and speak on matters before the governing body. The bill mandates that governing bodies and community managers be properly trained, act as stewards of common interests, protect owner rights, provide due process and equal protection, and comply with state law and governing documents. Owners are also guaranteed timely access to community documents, prompt and nondiscriminatory service, individual privacy, and fair treatment if accused of violating governing documents, including written notification, the opportunity to present evidence, and a reasonable time to correct violations. Finally, owners have the right to be informed of proposed changes to governing documents and to vote on them, and the Consumer Protection Division of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is empowered to review alleged violations and take enforcement actions on behalf of residential owners.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0537?ys=2026RS