Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB266

Introduced
1/12/24  

Caption

Residential Owners in Common Ownership Communities - Bill of Rights

Impact

The proposed bill outlines a range of rights for residents, designed to foster transparency, participation, and fair treatment in community governance. Among these rights are the provisions for fair elections for community leadership positions, the right to access community documents, and the ability for residents to participate in decision-making processes regarding community budgets and capital projects. By formalizing these rights, the bill seeks to empower residential owners and hold governing bodies accountable.

Summary

House Bill 266 aims to establish a comprehensive Bill of Rights for residential owners in common ownership communities, which include condominiums, cooperative housing corporations, and homeowners associations. The legislation is a response to increased interest in enhancing the legal rights of homeowners within these types of communities, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected by governing bodies.

Contention

While the bill is largely viewed as a progressive step toward protecting homeowners, there may be potential points of contention. Opponents could argue that establishing such a bill may impose additional regulations on governing bodies, thereby complicating decision-making processes and limiting their flexibility. Some may also raise concerns about the enforceability of the rights outlined in the bill and whether they would lead to conflicts between residential owners and governing bodies over interpretation and application.

Companion Bills

MD SB447

Crossfiled Residential Owners in Common Ownership Communities - Bill of Rights

MD HB29

Carry Over Residential Owners in Common Ownership Communities Bill of Rights

Similar Bills

MD SB447

Residential Owners in Common Ownership Communities - Bill of Rights

MD HB1060

Residential Owners in Common Ownership Communities Bill of Rights

MD HB557

Residential Owners in Common Ownership Communities - Bill of Rights

MD HB29

Residential Owners in Common Ownership Communities Bill of Rights

UT SB0262

Housing Affordability Modifications

CA AB854

Residential real property: withdrawal of accommodations.

NJ S3367

Requires certain approvals as a condition of sale or transfer for certain cooperative buildings.

NJ A4997

Requires certain approvals as a condition of sale or transfer for certain cooperative buildings.