MD HB709

Maryland counties may adopt local laws requiring landlords who own 6 or more residential rental units in the state to demonstrate "good cause" before refusing to renew a lease or terminating a holdover tenancy

Good cause grounds include: substantial lease breach (with 14-day cure period), disorderly conduct, illegal activity, refusing landlord access, rejecting new lease offers, repeated minor violations, habitual late rent (4+ times in 12 months), landlord/family member occupancy, substantial renovations requiring vacancy, or removing unit from rental market for at least 1 year

Landlords must provide written notice stating the good cause for nonrenewal or that they are exempt from local requirements; exempt landlords must disclose all ownership interests and addresses of rental units statewide on a form prescribed by the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs

Local ordinances may not apply to owner-occupied units, may not require good cause if the tenant voluntarily declines to renew, and counties cannot adopt additional or alternative good cause grounds beyond those specified in the bill

Takes effect October 1, 2025