MD HB402

Establishes a Common Ownership Community Ombudsman Unit within the Attorney General's Division of Consumer Protection to receive complaints from HOA, condominium, and cooperative housing members regarding adverse decisions by governing bodies or community managers

Requires all common ownership communities in Maryland to file governing documents and amendments with the Department of Housing and Community Development, with a $500 fine for non-compliance and filing fees up to $100 for initial filings and $25 for amendments

Creates a publicly accessible database of governing documents maintained by the Department of Housing and Community Development on its website

Establishes a framework for county-level Commissions on Common Ownership Communities that must meet monthly, require annual community registration, and provide dispute resolution through mediation and binding administrative hearings

Requires the Ombudsman Unit to submit annual reports to the General Assembly beginning December 1, 2028, detailing complaints received, actions taken, referrals to local commissions, and case outcomes