HB 1279 modifies Maryland's Catalytic Revitalization Project Tax Credit program to expand eligibility and adjust credit calculations. It updates definitions to include properties formerly owned by the federal government or state, or those formerly used as schools/hospitals, and clarifies income thresholds for "workforce housing" (e.g., 60-150% area median income in designated areas). The bill changes how tax credits are claimed: for workforce housing projects, 50% of the credit applies to workforce units in the first year, with 33% of non-workforce costs spread over three subsequent years. This directly affects developers and property owners rehabilitating qualifying properties seeking state tax credits. The changes aim to simplify claiming while expanding opportunities for projects in targeted communities.
HB 778 requires Maryland counties to evaluate vacant or underused commercial and industrial land for potential housing development and update their comprehensive plans to include policies promoting "middle housing" (such as duplexes, townhouses, and small apartment buildings). This applies to counties with comprehensive plans enacted or amended after January 1, 2027, and prohibits local governments from imposing unreasonable restrictions on middle housing projects. The bill mandates that housing elements of these plans assess opportunities for middle housing on suitable commercial or industrial sites. It aims to increase housing options by changing land-use rules without requiring specific housing types or income levels.
HB 1571 expands legal aid access for mobile home park residents facing eviction by including them in Maryland's Access to Counsel in Evictions Program. It directly affects low-income mobile home residents (earning ≤50% of median income) and mobile home park owners. Key provisions require park owners to establish pet policies by a set date, ensure safe water access, prohibit fee-based penalties for nonpayment, and provide a 14-day period to cure rent arrears. The bill also prohibits denying park privileges due to nonpayment or resident characteristics, and clarifies eviction procedures for subtenants.
HB 1497 would require Charles County to cap annual rent increases for rental units occupied by seniors at the Washington metropolitan area Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate, effective October 1, 2026. It directly affects seniors (defined as individuals eligible for full Social Security retirement benefits) renting in Charles County. The bill establishes a legal limit preventing landlords from raising rents more than the local inflation rate each year. This applies only to Charles County and does not affect other jurisdictions or non-senior renters.
HB 1236 modifies Maryland law to prevent restrictions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs - secondary housing units on the same property as a primary home) from applying to historic properties. It specifically exempts two categories: (1) properties listed in or eligible for Maryland’s Historic Register, and (2) properties within districts designated as historic under local zoning rules. This means property owners in historic districts can develop or rent ADUs without facing prohibitions based solely on historic designation. The bill does not change general ADU rules outside historic areas but ensures historic preservation rules cannot block ADU development in these zones.
HB 1096 requires Baltimore City and Maryland counties to include written notice of eligible property tax credits on property tax bills sent to taxpayers. This applies to existing property tax credits (such as those for seniors or veterans) that taxpayers may qualify for but might not be aware of. If someone other than the taxpayer receives the bill, the recipient must forward the notice to the actual taxpayer in writing. The bill does not create new credits but ensures taxpayers receive clear information about existing ones through their tax billing process.
HB 774 allows counties in Maryland to adopt local laws requiring landlords to have a valid reason (like nonpayment of rent or lease violations) to terminate residential leases or evict tenants who remain after their lease ends ("holdover tenancies"). Landlords in counties with such laws must disclose whether they are subject to these rules in lease agreements and provide specific ownership details (including how many properties they own) if claiming an exemption. The bill also requires the state housing office to create standardized forms for this disclosure and to clarify when landlords must prove "good cause" in court. This directly affects landlords and tenants in counties that implement these local good cause eviction protections.
SB 937, the Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act, prohibits landlords from requiring or considering a prospective tenant's criminal history before making a rental offer. Landlords may only review criminal history after extending a conditional offer and must allow tenants to provide evidence about inaccuracies, rehabilitation, or mitigating factors. The bill also bans upfront criminal history checks, restricts discriminatory housing ads, and makes violations enforceable under Maryland's consumer protection laws. It directly affects all residential landlords and tenants with past criminal records in Maryland.
HB 919 establishes the Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA) Grant Program through the Maryland Higher Education Commission. The program provides grants directly to minorities residing in historically redlined neighborhoods and underrepresented communities who aim to become real estate appraisers. Its key mechanisms include closing appraisal gaps in these communities, diversifying the appraisal field, and supporting individuals pursuing PAREA certification. The Maryland Higher Education Commission will administer the grants starting July 1, 2026.
HB 1175, the "Building Affordably in My Back Yard Act," requires property owners to certify contact information to the Department of Housing annually and allows local governments to review housing development projects. It establishes housing production targets, creates simplified permitting for standardized affordable housing designs, and permits counties to adjust taxes - lowering fees for affordable projects while increasing them on non-affordable properties. The bill also mandates studies on housing infrastructure, tax disincentives for downsizing, and internal reviews of housing approval processes. These provisions directly affect property owners, local jurisdictions, counties, and housing developers across Maryland.
