MD SB651

Counties may adopt local laws prohibiting landlords who own 6 or more residential rental units in Maryland from refusing to renew leases or terminating holdover tenancies without demonstrating good cause

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

Landlords claiming exemption from local good cause requirements must disclose ownership information including the full legal names of all individuals and entities with direct or indirect ownership interest and the number and addresses of all rental units owned statewide

The Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs must develop disclosure forms, and landlords must provide written notice to tenants via first-class mail stating either the good cause for termination or their exemption status

Effective date: October 1, 2025