Real Property - Landlord and Tenant - Family Child Care Homes
This bill is set to resonate significantly within Maryland's housing and educational framework. By allowing child care providers to operate more freely within residential properties, it aims to bolster the availability of family child care services, which is critical for working families. However, the provision allowing landlords to require larger security deposits could impose financial burdens on tenants who need to establish child care services. The bill also ensures that local zoning authorities retain jurisdiction, meaning it won't override existing regulations in local municipalities regarding child care operations.
House Bill 911 aims to amend certain aspects of landlord-tenant law in Maryland specifically related to family child care homes. The bill authorizes landlords to impose an increased security deposit if the tenant operates or plans to operate a registered family child care home on the leased premises. Additionally, it prohibits landlords from unreasonably limiting or prohibiting the operation of such family child care homes. The legislation also establishes that landlords will not be held civilly liable for their tenants' actions regarding the operation of these child care homes.
The sentiment surrounding House Bill 911 is generally favorable among child care advocates and prospective tenants wishing to operate family child care homes. Supporters argue that the bill recognizes the importance of family child care in providing flexible and accessible services for families. However, some concerns have been raised about the financial implications for tenants due to the potential increased security deposits and liability insurance requirements, which may pose challenges for those wishing to start a child care service.
One point of contention related to HB 911 is the balance between landlord rights and tenant freedoms. While the bill encourages the expansion of family child care homes, the stipulation for a higher security deposit and the requirement for liability insurance may deter tenants, particularly those with limited financial means. Furthermore, the bill's provisions for tenancies that existed prior to its enactment could lead to complications in its application, especially regarding operational timelines for tenants and the precise scope of landlord notifications.