MD SB729

Expands the Access to Counsel in Evictions Program to provide legal representation to mobile home park residents facing repossession proceedings, with coverage including the first appeal if legal grounds exist

Requires park owners to provide 30-90 days written notice before filing repossession complaints, gives residents 10 days to cure nonpayment of rent, and extends the appeal period from 2 to 15 days with new bond and escrow requirements

Prohibits numerous fees including entrance/exit fees, pet fees, parking fees, amenity fees, utility connection fees, and administrative fees not expressly authorized; caps well water service charges at 5% of rent

Strengthens tenant protections by requiring minimum 1-year rental agreements, 90-day notice for rent increases, and prohibiting discrimination based on nonpayment of rent, disability, religion, source of income, or familial status

Reduces maximum security deposits from 2 months' rent to 1 month's rent (or $500 minimum), increases damages for retaliation from 3 months' rent to 6 times monthly rent, and requires park owners to offer fair market value to purchase mobile homes after eviction