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Bill

HB 774

Landlord and Tenant - Residential Leases and Holdover Tenancies - Local Good Cause Termination (Good Cause Eviction)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Smith and 1 co-sponsor

HB 774 empowers Maryland municipalities to establish local good cause eviction standards, restricting landlords' ability to terminate residential leases without legally defined justification.

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Bill Summary · HB 774

Legislative bill overview

HB 774 allows Maryland municipalities to establish local "good cause" eviction requirements, meaning landlords could only evict tenants for specific, legally defined reasons rather than at-will. The bill grants local jurisdictions the authority to create their own good cause standards while providing a statewide framework for what constitutes valid eviction grounds.

Why is this important

Housing stability affects employment, education, and health outcomes. This bill addresses concerns about involuntary displacement and rent increases by potentially requiring landlords to show legitimate cause before removing tenants, though implementation would vary significantly by locality. It represents a major shift in Maryland's landlord-tenant balance of power, which currently favors at-will termination.

Potential points of contention

  • Housing supply impacts: Critics argue restrictions on evictions and lease non-renewals could discourage rental property investment and maintenance, potentially reducing available units and raising rents
  • Definition disputes: What constitutes "good cause" will be locally contested—definitions too broad protect tenants but create landlord unpredictability; definitions too narrow limit tenant protections
  • Enforcement complexity: Local jurisdictions vary in resources and expertise to administer and enforce good cause standards, creating inconsistent protections across Maryland communities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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