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SB 513

Real Property - Unlawfully Restrictive Covenant Modifications - County or Municipality Notice Requirements

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Charles and 6 co-sponsors

Maryland law now requires counties and municipalities to notify property owners when discriminatory or unlawfully restrictive deed covenants are removed from their property records.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 540
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Bill Summary · SB 513

Legislative bill overview

SB 513 requires Maryland counties and municipalities to notify property owners when unlawfully restrictive covenants (historical deed restrictions that are discriminatory or otherwise unenforceable) are removed or modified from property records. The bill establishes a process for local governments to identify, document, and communicate changes to affected properties regarding these covenant modifications.

Why is this important

Restrictive covenants—particularly those with racial, religious, or other discriminatory language—have long prevented homeowners from fully owning and transferring their property free of historical discrimination. By requiring notice to property owners, this bill ensures transparency and helps people understand their full property rights. This addresses a documented gap where covenant removals occur but property owners often remain unaware of changes affecting their titles.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden: Counties and municipalities must establish systems to identify, track, and notify affected property owners—potentially costly for smaller jurisdictions with limited resources
  • Scope definition: The bill's definition of "unlawfully restrictive" covenants and which modifications trigger notice requirements could create ambiguity or inconsistent application across jurisdictions
  • Retroactive application: Determining how far back the notice requirement applies and identifying all historical property owners could prove practically challenging and raise questions about fairness to current owners uninvolved in original restrictions

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

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