MD HB847

Creates a new misdemeanor offense for possessing or claiming a right to possess residential real property that a person does not lawfully own or possess, with intent to defraud another

Penalties escalate with repeat offenses: first violation up to 90 days imprisonment and/or $500 fine; second violation within 2 years up to 6 months and/or $1,000 fine; subsequent violations within 2 years up to 1 year and/or $2,500 fine

Property owners may submit a sworn affidavit to the county sheriff stating that a person is fraudulently in possession of their property, and law enforcement must remove that person and return possession to the owner

Law enforcement may not remove someone if they produce evidence of lawful possession, and the removal process does not apply if the occupant has a court order granting possession or if remedies under Title 8 of the Real Property Article are available

Effective date: October 1, 2026