Anne Arundel Council approves revised eviction ordinance after landlord testimony
Loading...
Summary
The Anne Arundel County Council voted 7–0 on March 2 to pass Bill 10125, an ordinance revising landlord‑tenant eviction procedures; sponsors said it balances tenant protections and landlord needs and the law would go into effect July 1 if certified.
The Anne Arundel County Council on March 2 approved Bill 10125, a rewritten landlord‑tenant eviction ordinance, by a unanimous 7–0 vote.
Sponsor Chair Hummer said the ordinance is intended to make eviction proceedings less traumatic and to reduce some of the expenses landlords now face during enforcement. During the public hearing, Janice John, a landlord who manages six rental properties, described costs and damages from nonpaying tenants and urged the council not to extend tenant protections beyond current law.
Supporters on the dais described the measure as a compromise. Administration representative Ethan Hunt said the county worked with a range of stakeholders, including Community Legal Services, the Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition and the County Housing Commission. Council members who disclosed landlord ties said they would watch implementation closely and consider tweaks if the new process created undue hardship.
The ordinance makes procedural changes that, according to the sponsor, will allow landlords to treat abandoned personal property left after an eviction differently (reducing the need to hire movers and to post items to the curb), while preserving notice and other procedural safeguards for tenants. The council recorded a unanimous roll call in favor; no votes were recorded against.
The sponsor stated the ordinance would take effect July 1 if certified. Councilmembers and administration officials said they will monitor the impact and return to adjust the code if problems arise.
The county clerk read the vote and the council adjourned with the item completed.
