Protect Our Homes Day Feb 23
Protect our Homes Day is Renters United Maryland’s virtual lobby night for the 2021 Maryland General Assembly session.
News & Updates
Supporter Kit: HB 52/SB 454 Eviction Diversion and Defense
Learn about HB 52/SB 454, the Eviction Diversion and Defense bill, in the video below and download RUM’s bill summary and testimony template so that you can support this legislation. Written testimony to support SB 454 is due on Friday Feb 5 by 3PM. The bill will be heard in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on… Read More »Supporter Kit: HB 52/SB 454 Eviction Diversion and Defense
A 5th Grader explains: Eviction Diversion/Defense legislation (HB 52/SB 454)
HB 52/SB 454 is a key reform to Maryland’s eviction process. Learn about the bill in this video and then take action to support the legislation.
Maryland Matters: Tenants’ Advocates and Landlords Push for Rental Assistance at Senate Briefing
Some months in 2020 also saw a higher-than-average number of “tenant-holding-over” actions, which can occur when a tenant remains on a property after a lease ends. Under recently proposed rental relief legislation, landlords couldn’t refuse to renew a lease based on “rent delinquency and lease expiration” during the pandemic.
WMAR: State delegates push for eviction protection
When the Maryland General Assembly reconvenes in January, they plan on introducing the Housing Justice Package which would prohibit most evictions until April 2022, urge landlords to avoid evictions when possible and give tenants a lawyer.
WBOC TV: Stay at Home Orders Difficult in the Face of Eviction
Included in the legislation is financial relief for landlords through a state-wide program matching state and county funds. It would also prohibit rent delinquency and lease expiration as grounds for evictions says Shah. It would also “require landlords to use rental assistance before they file and put people in jeopardy of people losing their homes. And also providing a lawyer to renters who end up in an eviction case before a district court.”
Maryland Matters: Lawmakers Eye ‘Housing Justice Package’ for 2021 Session
Zafar Shah, an attorney with the Public Justice Center, said Maryland is facing an “unfolding housing crisis” and that, without relief and reform, tenants and homeowners alike could lose their homes.
Recent estimates from the Chicago-based consulting firm Stout show that up to 204,000 Maryland households could currently be at risk for eviction.
WBAL TV: Housing advocates seek to overhaul Maryland’s evictions process
State lawmakers announced a package of legislation for Session 2021 that are designed to protect renters, homeowners and small landlords.
“The General Assembly can prevent mass suffering. It has the moral obligation to do so,” said Montgomery County Delegate Vaughn Stewart, D-District 19.
WTOP: Maryland lawmakers to focus on eviction challenges in upcoming General Assembly
The “Emergency Homeowner Protection” proposal from Maryland Del. Vaughn Stewart would extend “and codify” a foreclosure moratorium for the extent of the state of emergency ordered when the coronavirus pandemic hit.
Baltimore Sun: Maryland housing advocates, lawmakers discuss bills to reform eviction process, stem housing crisis
“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.”