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Bill

HB 853

Real Property - Regulation of Common Ownership Community Managers

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adrian Boafo and 13 co-sponsors

Maryland bill establishes licensing and regulatory standards for HOA managers to increase accountability and protect resident interests in common ownership communities.

First Reading Economic Matters
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Bill Summary · HB 853

Legislative bill overview

HB 853 establishes regulatory oversight and licensing requirements for common ownership community (HOA) managers in Maryland. The bill aims to standardize professional qualifications, conduct, and accountability for individuals managing homeowners associations, condominiums, and similar residential communities.

Why is this important

Approximately 2 million Maryland residents live in common ownership communities where professional managers handle finances, enforce rules, and maintain properties. Without state regulation, managers currently operate with minimal oversight, creating potential risks for financial mismanagement, fraud, or poor governance that directly affects homeowners' property values and quality of life.

Potential points of contention

  • Licensing costs and barriers: New licensing requirements may increase operational costs for smaller HOAs, potentially raising fees for residents, while creating barriers to entry for property management companies
  • Scope of authority disputes: Disagreement over whether state regulation infringes on HOAs' traditional self-governance rights and local autonomy in setting manager qualifications
  • Enforcement and compliance: Questions about whether Maryland has adequate resources to monitor and enforce regulations against thousands of community managers across the state

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

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