Link | Publication: Angela Roberts, Baltimore Sun | Date: Dec. 28, 2020
Excerpt
Several Democratic lawmakers, including Del. Melissa Wells of Baltimore City and Del. Wanika Fisher of Prince George’s County, unveiled legislation they’ll be introducing when the Maryland General Assembly convenes on Jan. 13. Among other actions, these bills would bar all eviction filings other than “imminent threat” until April 2022, encourage landlords to seek other resolutions before filing for eviction and establish a statewide right-to-counsel for tenants.
The news conference came one day after President Donald Trump signed a $2 trillion coronavirus relief and federal spending package, which includes $25 billion in rental assistance, as well as additional unemployment benefits and relief payments to families.
While Public Justice Center attorney Zafar Shah described the package as a “silver lining” for Maryland families, he noted that it will take time for the assistance to filter down to those who need it — and if there’s something renters facing eviction during a pandemic don’t have, Shah added, it’s time.
“It’s clear that relief money is not effective without a deeper reform of the eviction system and investing in holistic services that serve economically struggling households,” he said. “We look to make housing justice happen for renters, homeowners and housing providers — to make it a top priority as Maryland builds back better.”