MD SB989

County sheriffs may establish an Unauthorized Occupant Registry allowing residential property owners to enroll their properties for expedited removal of squatters without going through traditional eviction courts.

Registry enrollment expires after 6 months and may be renewed; sheriffs may charge fees for initial enrollment and for re-enrollments occurring at least 1 year after the previous enrollment.

Property owners must submit a sworn request under penalty of perjury confirming the occupant unlawfully entered, is not a current/former tenant or owner, is not an immediate family member, and has no pending litigation regarding the property.

Upon verified request, the sheriff must serve notice requiring unauthorized occupants to vacate within 1 week, then restore possession to the registered owner.

Individuals removed in bad faith may sue the property owner for court costs, attorney's fees, return of possession, and actual damages for lost or damaged personal property; effective October 1, 2025.