House Bill 1177, introduced in Maryland on February 7, 2025, aims to enhance tenant protections by establishing a hotline for reporting housing complaints. The bill empowers the Office of the Attorney General to take several actions upon receiving complaints, including referring tenants to legal services, reporting violations to local code enforcement, and pursuing legal action to recover damages or seek equitable relief for tenants.

Key provisions of the bill include the establishment of a reporting hotline under the Real Property Article, which will allow tenants to voice their grievances effectively. The Attorney General is tasked with compiling annual reports detailing the number of complaints received, categorized by various demographics such as county, racial and ethnic background, and type of complaint. This data will help identify patterns and potential systemic issues within the housing sector.

The bill has sparked discussions among lawmakers and housing advocates, with supporters emphasizing the need for stronger tenant protections in light of rising housing costs and increasing reports of landlord violations. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential burden on local enforcement agencies and the feasibility of implementing the hotline effectively.

The implications of House Bill 1177 are significant, as it seeks to address ongoing issues of tenant rights and housing stability in Maryland. By providing a structured mechanism for reporting and addressing complaints, the bill could lead to improved accountability among landlords and property management companies. The legislation is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and its success will likely depend on the resources allocated for its implementation and the responsiveness of the legal and enforcement systems involved.