Landlord and Tenant - Residential Leases and Holdover Tenancies - Local Good Cause Termination (Good Cause Eviction)
If enacted, SB651 would significantly affect landlords who own six or more residential units by mandating that they comply with the local good cause requirements. This means that landlords could be restricted from evicting tenants without a valid reason, defined under the local law, which includes serious lease breaches, illegal activities, or properties being taken off the rental market for necessary repairs. The bill reinforces the need for landlords to transparently communicate their reasons for non-renewal of leases and provides mechanisms to ensure that these claims are documented and substantiated.
Senate Bill 651, titled 'Landlord and Tenant - Residential Leases and Holdover Tenancies - Local Good Cause Termination (Good Cause Eviction)', seeks to grant counties in Maryland the authority to enact local laws that prevent landlords from failing to renew leases or terminating holdover tenancies without providing good cause. The bill is focused on establishing more tenant protections in residential rental agreements and aims to standardize the basis upon which evictions can be initiated. By requiring landlords to assert good cause, the bill intends to reduce arbitrary evictions and create a more stable housing environment for tenants.
The bill has generated significant debate, as proponents argue it balances the scales of power between landlords and tenants, particularly in areas of Maryland facing housing shortages and high evictions. Advocates for tenant rights believe that it could lead to greater equity in housing. However, opponents express concerns that the law could discourage rental property investment and result in fewer housing options, as landlords may respond by limiting their rental capacity or moving properties off the market. The discussion also centers on the perceived governmental overreach into private contractual agreements.