Attorney General of Maryland – The Attorney General`s Office plays an important role in protecting the state`s citizens. Federal Laws – In addition to state legal regulations, the federal government has laws governing the operation and management of communities of common interest, condominiums, co-operatives, and residential real estate in the State of Maryland. Victims of housing discrimination may file a complaint with the Maryland Human Relations Commission or HUD within one (1) year from the date of the discriminatory practice. Victims may also file a private lawsuit with the Federal District Court within two (2) years of the discriminatory act. Any violations of these or other condo/HOA laws should be reported to the Bureau of Consumer Protection, Office of the Attorney General, Maryland. See “Dispute Resolution”. Maryland General Assembly – Search for your state representative and the legislature database (or “legal law”). The Maryland General Assembly has a new website. To rate the text of an invoice on this revamped website, click on the invoice number below, which will take you to the invoice management folder.
If you then click on the PDF icon next to the invoice number, you will get the full text of the invoice. Note that some existing laws will be amended. The text of the law that is deleted is in parentheses, and the bold text is a new text. SB 401, Towing or Removing Vehicles from Parking Lots: Limits what can be charged and states that there must be photographic evidence of an offence. A new Maryland law extends the consent of the deemed lender to changes to a declaration of co-ownership and all relevant documents of an homeowners corporation, including the declaration of agreements, articles, deeds and agreements, and other registered agreements and restrictions. The new amendment process is included in the Maryland Condominium Act and the Maryland Homeowners Association Act, effective October 1, 2020. Previously, the minimum required to amend the condominium law was 66 and 2/3% of all votes from all owners. For HOAs, reporting changes often require approval from 80% or more of the owners. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – The agency enforces federal consumer financing laws, including the FDCPA and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
The replacement reserve study must be prepared by a qualified professional and identify each structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing component of the community property and any other components that are the responsibility of the home, HOA or co-op to repair and replace it. In addition, the normal useful life and estimated remaining useful life of each component shall be indicated; an indication of the estimated costs of repair or replacement; and provide the estimated annual reserve required for future repair or replacement. You live in a homeowners association (“HOA”) or condo (“condominium”) and want to build a shed or install Halloween decorations outside your unit. So you build this shed or put orange lights and a pumpkin on your balcony. The next thing you know is that the HOA or condominium board has sent you a notice of offence to immediately remove this shed or its decorations. You decide to ignore the clue or you forget about it. Then you will receive a Notice of Hearing or a letter threatening to sue. Now you worry about the possibility of being fined or even having to pay the other party`s legal fees. Not only that, but you are upset that your neighbours on the board are the ones who threaten you. What are your rights? This article gives some tips. Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act, Md.Code Ann., Com. Law II §§ 14-201–14-204.
The law regulates debt collection practices at the state level and is very similar to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The law prohibits the abusive, deceptive and unfair practices described in § 14-202 by debt collection agencies when attempting to collect a debt. Effective October 1, 2017, several new laws governing condominiums and homeowners associations (“HOAs”) will go into effect in Maryland. Because so many new residential properties are developed under an HOA or condo regime, these new laws will affect many homeowners in Maryland. The 2020 session of the Maryland General Assembly ended in early March due to the coronavirus health crisis. However, significant changes have been made to Maryland`s condominium laws, homeowners` association, and housing co-ops. Changes to administrative documents (condominiums and HOA) – This new bill empowers a condominium board to amend the condominium by-law after approval by at least 60% of deemed condominium owners or a lower percentage if required by the bylaws. The law also empowers an HOA to amend its government documents by accepting at least 60% of votes in the development of owners in “good standing” or by a lower percentage if government documents allow it. For the purposes of the law, “good reputation” is defined as a landlord who has no more than 90 days of arrears in paying an assessment or fees due to the condominium or HOA.
(The Bill does not apply to an HOA that issues bonds or other long-term debts secured in whole or in part by an annual fee calculated in accordance with its relevant documents, or to a village or community association affiliated with the HOA.) Regulation of Community Association Managers. A proposal requiring community association managers to be licensed by a Maryland State Common Property Community Managers Council is being reconsidered. The requirements for obtaining a Community Association Manager license are based on training, work experience in managing community associations, and knowledge of state laws and regulations regarding shared ownership communities. Similar legislation has been introduced in recent years. HB 137, Books and Records of the Association. This legislation requires corporations to provide owners with copies of most books and records, including board minutes, financial statements and employee salaries, within 21 days of receiving a written request. The cost of copying and mailing books and records cannot exceed the amount charged by Maryland courts (50 cents per page for copies made by a court clerk and 25 cents per page for copies made by a client). It entered into force on 1 October 2009. HB 679, Condo Bylaw Amendment Requiring every condominium owner to maintain a condominium insurance policy can be approved by a majority of 51% instead of the majority of 66 and 2/3 required by the Maryland Condominium Act. Maryland Discrimination in Housing Law, Md. Code Ann., State Gov`t §§ 20-701, ff.: The law protects people from discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, marital status, sex, orientation, gender identity, or disability.
The law provides state-level protection similar to the Federal Fair Housing Act (FTA). The hot topic in the Maryland legislature was how Maryland will adapt to recent changes to federal income tax and health insurance laws. Beyond the headlines, the Maryland General Assembly has addressed numerous bills that directly affect condominiums, homeowners associations, and housing co-ops in Maryland. Several new laws have been enacted.