Legislative Successes

With your help, we are opening doors to homeownership in Maryland.

2023

Prohibitions on 40-Year Residential Property Service Agreements (SB 579/HB 728)

Service agreements which bind a property owner to a future contract for the maintenance, purchase, or sale of residential property may not be in effect for longer than one year or be recorded as a lien against the property.

Return of Buyer Deposits (SB 651/HB 1235)

When a buyer properly terminates a real estate contract, the holder of the buyer’s deposit shall return the funds within 30 days, unless the seller takes specific actions to object to the return.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Policy Task Force (HB 239/SB 382)

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are small, independent living units constructed on residentially zoned lots. This bill establishes the Accessory Dwelling Unit Policy Task Force to recommend policies for ADU usage in residential areas.

Condominium Insurance Coverage (HB 98/SB 403)

Allows detached condominium units to obtain property insurance coverage as HOAs, with unit owners insuring their individual dwellings and the association insuring common areas. This reform will improve affordability of cottage-style condominiums, an emerging Missing Middle housing option.

Local Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit Supplement (HB 404)

Authorizes local governments to modify income limitations for local supplements to the Homeowners Property Tax Credit Program. This legislation applies to all taxable years beginning after June 30, 2023.

Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit Applications (HB 897/SB 826)

Allows individuals whose gross income is limited to social security benefits, pensions, and annuities to apply for the Homeowners Property Tax Credit once every 3 years, if they certify their eligibility annually.

2022

Partition Sales of Inherited Property (HB 777/SB 92)

Prevents the loss of generational wealth that can occur when inherited property is sold through a forced partition sale. It provides additional protections to those joint property owners, including better disclosures, a market rate appraisal, and a right of first refusal for heirs to purchase the property.

Surplus Property for Affordable Housing (SB 744/HB 927)

Requires a determination on whether any of the state’s excess properties are suitable for use or redevelopment as affordable housing, and provides $50 million for affordable housing projects.

Task Force on Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (HB 1097)

Establishes a Task Force on Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity to identify legislative or other policy recommendations that will reduce bias in valuations, through enforcement, compliance, or other methods.

Extending Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit Deadlines (HB 204/SB 181)

Grants additional flexibility for homeowners who were eligible to receive the Homestead and Homeowner’s Tax Credits but who did not claim them by the program deadlines. Effective for all tax years after June 30, 2022.

2021

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (HB 90/SB 687)

Directs DHCD and local governments to report every 5 years on their efforts to promote fair housing choice and racial and economic integration.

First-Time Homebuyer Savings Accounts (HB 1178)

Allows first-time homebuyers to save up to $5,000 per year state a year and $50,000 total to be used for down payment or closing costs. Account owners will receive a state tax deduction on the contributions.

Appraisal Gap from Historic Redlining Financial Assistance Program (HB 1239/SB 859)

Creates a grant program for builders who build or remodel property in low-income areas where the sales price of the home is unlikely to cover the cost of construction or rehabilitation .