Proposal would shorten timeline for wrongful-detainer hearings and permit filings addressed to occupants rather than named defendants

Senate Bill 46 would amend Maryland’s wrongful-detainer law to speed hearings and clarify procedures for returning property to owners.

Delaney Gray, representing Senator Watson, told the House Judiciary Committee the bill would require a court hearing within four to seven days after a wrongful-detainer complaint is filed; permit a complaint addressed to “the occupant” at the property if the owner does not know a defendant’s name; require the owner or owner’s representative to provide recorded deed evidence at filing to prevent fraud; and require sheriffs or constables to deliver possession to owners immediately after a writ of possession issues. The bill also would direct the court to enter a default judgment if a defendant fails to appear and shorten appeal windows to four to seven days.

Del. Conaway asked whether the bill differs from her House bill; Gray said Senate Bill 46’s time for the first hearing is 4–7 days whereas the other bill used 14 days, and confirmed judges and sheriffs had agreed that 4–7 days was sufficient. Proponents said the package aims to balance due process for occupants with an expedited path for owners to recover property, particularly where occupants are unknown or have abandoned premises.

The committee did not take a vote during the hearing; sponsors said they had courts’ buy-in on the proposed hearing window.