County committee approves amendments to tenant-relocation bill, advances CB 17–2025

A Prince George’s County Council committee on Monday amended and advanced county bill CB 17–2025, legislation that would require landlords to provide relocation assistance and a first right of reoccupancy when rental units are declared unfit for human habitation.

The Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee voted 3–0 to approve a set of on-the-floor amendments and to move the bill forward as amended. The amendments, offered by Vice Chair Oriotta and adopted by the committee, add exemptions for displacements caused by natural disasters and for small landlords (the committee discussed matching a five-unit threshold used elsewhere in county rules), and require landlords to retain records of payments and relocation offers for a three- to five‑year period. The clerk recorded aye votes from Chair DeNova, Council member Olson and Vice Chair Riata; the motion carried 3–0.

Why it matters: the bill would shift some short‑term housing costs from county emergency rental assistance programs to housing providers for tenants displaced by condemnations, and would codify tenants’ first right to return after rehabilitation. Sponsors and tenant advocates said the measure fills what they see as a gap that leaves displaced renters without immediate housing and little…