House Judiciary Committee hears competing proposals to speed removal of squatters, criminalize fraudulent leases

Delegate Ryan Naraki, appearing before the House Judiciary Committee, urged lawmakers to approve HB 202, a bill that would make it a crime to fraudulently convey or lease a residential property and — in some versions — allow expedited removal of people occupying property without authorization.

“This legislation is common sense,” said Delegate Ryan Naraki, the bill sponsor. “It cracks down on fraudsters, those who create fake leases and counterfeit documents, who will face increased penalties.”

Backers from landlord and property-owner trade groups told the committee the measure addresses a growing problem. Ashley Clark of the Maryland Multi Housing Association said HB 202 “provides an additional tool to help owners remove an unauthorized occupant, restore possession to the rightful owner, and mitigate a safety risk to their tenants and communities.” Hugo Cantu of the Apartments and Office Building Association (AOBA) said the bill targets unauthorized subleasing that current civil remedies do not reach.

Several committee members and defense-oriented witnesses urged caution. Joseph Loveless, an attorney with Maryland Legal Aid, and Albert Turner of the Public Justice…