Maryland House Bill HB1445

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/24
• Refer: 2/9/24

Caption

Landlord and Tenant - Actions for Possession - Service of Process by a Private Detective

Impact

If enacted, HB1445 would specifically modify Section 8-407 of the Real Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. This change could streamline the eviction process for landlords by potentially reducing delays associated with law enforcement schedules. The inclusion of private detectives could enable landlords to engage professionals who specialize in finding individuals effectively, thus improving compliance with legal requirements for notice delivery.

Summary

House Bill 1445 seeks to amend existing laws concerning the service of process in landlord-tenant actions for possession of residential properties. The bill introduces a provision that allows landlords to have process service carried out not only by a constable or sheriff but also by a licensed private detective. This amendment aims to provide landlords with more options for serving notices, especially in cases where they might find it challenging to obtain the services of local law enforcement.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it enhances landlords' rights and provides a practical solution to ongoing issues in the eviction process, opponents may view it as a potential disadvantage to tenants. Critics could voice concerns about the ethical implications of employing private detectives for serving eviction notices, fearing that it could lead to aggressive or improper tactics that infringe on tenants' rights. The bill's implementation may lead to further discussions regarding tenant protections and the balance of power in landlord-tenant relationships.