Maryland House Bill HB402

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/24
• Refer: 1/18/24

Caption

Real Property - Nuisance and Breach of Lease Actions - Rodent Harborage

Impact

If passed, HB 402 will amend Maryland's real property laws to explicitly define rodent harborage and outline the rights of landlords in pursuing damages. It creates a framework for landlords to hold tenants accountable for fostering conditions that may lead to rodent infestations. The bill better aligns tenant behavior with legal standards of property maintenance, ultimately seeking to minimize instances of pest-related nuisances that can affect not just the property in question, but also neighboring properties and the wider community.

Summary

House Bill 402 addresses the issue of rodent harborage on residential properties by enabling individuals to file nuisance actions for damages resulting from such conditions. This bill permits landlords to initiate breach of lease actions against tenants whose actions contribute to rat or mouse infestations. The underlying goal is to improve living conditions in rental properties by providing landlords with legal recourse to manage these unwanted rodent populations effectively, thus enhancing public health and property value.

Contention

The introduction of HB 402 may raise concerns regarding tenant rights and the potential for misuse by landlords. Critics may argue that increased landlord powers could lead to unjust evictions based on frivolous claims of rodent harborage by landlords. Additionally, the bill could provoke discussions on existing tenant protections, emphasizing the need for balance between tenant rights and landlord responsibilities in maintaining safe and habitable living conditions. The effectiveness and enforcement of the measures defined in the bill will likely be of significant debate among various stakeholders.