Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB665

Introduced
1/29/24  
Refer
1/29/24  
Report Pass
3/15/24  
Engrossed
3/18/24  
Refer
3/19/24  
Report Pass
4/3/24  
Enrolled
4/4/24  
Chaptered
4/25/24  

Caption

Maryland Condominium Act - Amendments to the Declaration

Impact

The implications of SB665 on state laws include a significant shift in how condominium governance is structured. This reduction in consent requirements facilitates more responsive and flexible management of condominiums, allowing communities to adapt more quickly to changes in ownership dynamics, market conditions, and community preferences. This change can impact existing governance structures and potentially result in more active participation among unit owners, fostering a sense of community and collective decision-making.

Summary

Senate Bill 665 amends the Maryland Condominium Act, focusing on the process required for amending the declaration of a condominium. This bill reduces the percentage of unit owners needed to consent to such amendments from 80% to 66⅔% when no developer owns any units in the condominium. The goal of this legislation is to simplify the amendment process and make it more achievable for unit owners to propose changes that reflect their current interests and needs. By lowering this threshold, it aims to empower unit owners and enhance democratic participation within condominium governance.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB665 appears to be generally positive among proponents who view it as a necessary reform that enhances the rights and powers of unit owners. Supporters argue that it allows for more democratic engagement and responsiveness within condominium communities. Conversely, there might be hesitance from certain stakeholders, particularly those who may prefer the previous regulations that required a higher consensus for amendments, fearing that rapid changes may disrupt long-standing agreements and stability within communities.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB665 revolve around the balance between facilitating easier governance and maintaining stability within condominium associations. Some critics may argue that reducing the required consent threshold could lead to hasty amendments influenced by a majority without adequate consideration for minority opinions. There is a concern that rapid changes might undermine agreements previously held among unit owners and lead to conflicts within communities if not managed with careful oversight.

Companion Bills

MD HB1496

Crossfiled Maryland Condominium Act - Amendments to the Declaration

MD HB434

Carry Over Maryland Condominium Act – Amendments to the Declaration

Previously Filed As

MD HB434

Maryland Condominium Act – Amendments to the Declaration

MD SB403

Condominiums - Declarations and Mandatory Insurance Coverage - Alterations

MD HB98

Condominiums - Mandatory Insurance Coverage - Alterations

MD HB105

Real Property - Condominiums and Homeowners Associations - Governing Bodies and Annual Meetings

MD SB593

Condominiums - Common Elements - Clean Energy Equipment

MD HB101

Condominiums - Common Elements - Clean Energy Equipment

MD HB52

Condominiums - Sales Contracts - Asbestos Disclosure

MD SB233

Condominiums - Property Insurance - Repair of Damage

MD SB146

Maryland Real Property Transfer–on–Death (TOD) Act

MD HB986

Maryland Real Property Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Act

Similar Bills

HI HB1121

Relating To Leasehold Conversion.

HI HB1121

Relating To Leasehold Conversion.

MD HB1496

Maryland Condominium Act - Amendments to the Declaration

HI SB884

Relating To Leasehold Conversion.

HI SB884

Relating To Leasehold Conversion.

MD HB434

Maryland Condominium Act – Amendments to the Declaration

MD HB98

Condominiums - Mandatory Insurance Coverage - Alterations

MD HB105

Real Property - Condominiums and Homeowners Associations - Governing Bodies and Annual Meetings