Bill > H5301

This bill aims to regulate "junk fees" in rental housing, which are often unexpected or excessive charges imposed by landlords, and to encourage the production of more housing. Specifically, it limits the upfront fees a landlord can charge a tenant to the first month's rent, the last month's rent, a security deposit equal to one month's rent, and the cost of a key and lock, while also capping late fees at five percent of the monthly rent and preventing landlords from imposing additional fees for lease renewals or increasing security deposits during a tenancy. The bill also restricts landlords from requiring tenants to pay for services like amenity fees, internet, or renter's insurance unless these are offered as optional services with clear descriptions, costs, and opt-out instructions. Furthermore, it introduces penalties for violations, allowing tenants to recover three times the amount of any improperly charged fee, plus court costs and attorney fees, and clarifies that landlords cannot charge attorney fees unless they win a judgment and the fees are deemed reasonable by a court. To promote housing production, the bill encourages the development of mixed-use or multi-family housing near public transportation by limiting parking requirements to one space per unit, defines "greyfields" as underutilized or vacant land suitable for redevelopment, and mandates a report to identify such sites and potential uses. It also directs that publicly owned land be considered for low or moderate-income housing before disposition, and streamlines regulations related to on-site sewage disposal systems and zoning appeals for larger developments, while also allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in multi-unit buildings and establishing a Housing Production Plan to address limitations on housing development across the state.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Housing (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5301