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HB 858

Real Property - Wrongful Detainer Actions - Time of Hearing

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Conaway

HB 858 adjusts the timing requirements for scheduling hearings in Maryland wrongful detainer eviction actions, affecting how quickly landlord-tenant disputes proceed through courts.

Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 858

Legislative bill overview

HB 858 modifies Maryland's wrongful detainer (eviction) procedures by adjusting the timing requirements for hearings in landlord-tenant disputes. The bill appears to change when hearings must be scheduled relative to when a wrongful detainer action is filed, though the specific timeline modifications are not detailed in the available information.

Why is this important

Wrongful detainer timelines directly affect both landlords' ability to regain property and tenants' opportunity to mount a legal defense. Changes to hearing schedules can significantly impact housing stability, access to justice, and the speed of eviction proceedings—issues affecting thousands of Maryland residents annually.

Potential points of contention

  • Tenant protection vs. landlord efficiency: Extending hearing timelines may give tenants more preparation time but could delay landlords' remedies; shortening them could expedite evictions but limit legal recourse opportunities
  • Court capacity: Modified timelines may require additional judicial resources or create scheduling bottlenecks depending on the direction of change
  • Consistency with other states: Maryland's approach should be evaluated against neighboring jurisdictions to understand competitive impacts on housing markets and business practices

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

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