Link | Publication: Bennett Leckrone, Maryland Matters | Date: Dec. 28, 2020
Excerpt
Del. Melissa R. Wells (D-Baltimore City) and Sen. Charles E. Sydnor III (D-Baltimore County) plan to introduce an “Eviction Diversion and Defense” bill that would lengthen the eviction process and require landlords to connect tenants with rental assistance before filing an eviction lawsuit.
The bill would also create a “two-phase” proceeding that would allow tenants and landlords to try to avert an eviction before an eviction lawsuit moves forward, and would lengthen the eviction process to allow renters time to prepare for trial.
Judges would also be given broader powers to delay evictions in “emergency situations,” like allowing time for renters to recover from health problems.
Shah noted that the Housing Justice Package likely won’t be the only housing relief for reform effort during the 2021 legislative session. He said housing insecurity, particularly in communities of color, was an issue long before the pandemic.