reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 3 - Protection of Homeowners in Foreclosure Act › Part V - Prohibited Acts; Enforcement and Penalties › Section 7-321 - Penalties

(a)    A person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.
(b)    A person who violates this subtitle is subject to § 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 3 - Protection of Homeowners in Foreclosure Act › Part V - Prohibited Acts; Enforcement and Penalties › Section 7-322 - Notice of Conviction

(a)    If a criminal prosecution under this subtitle results in a conviction, the Attorney General or the State’s Attorney who has prosecuted the case shall notify the Commissioner in writing of the conviction within 30 days of the conviction.
(b)    The notice required under subsection (a) of this section shall include:
(1)    The name and address of the person convicted; and
(2)    A copy of the judgment in the criminal case.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 4 - Maryland Mortgage Fraud Protection Act › Section 7-403 - Venue

For the purpose of venue under this subtitle, a violation of this subtitle shall be considered to have been committed:
(1)    In the county in which the residential real property is located for which a mortgage loan is being sought;
(2)    In the county in which an act was performed in furtherance of the violation;
(3)    In the county in which a person alleged to have violated this subtitle had control or possession of any proceeds of the violation;
(4)    If a closing occurred, in the county in which the closing occurred; and
(5)    In the county in which a document containing a deliberate misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission is filed in the land records.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 4 - Maryland Mortgage Fraud Protection Act › Section 7-404 - Injunction; Judgment; Costs

(a)    The Attorney General may seek an injunction to prohibit a person who has engaged or is engaging in a violation of this subtitle from engaging or continuing to engage in the violation.
(b)    The court may enter any order or judgment necessary to:
(1)    Prevent the use by a person of any prohibited practice;
(2)    Restore to a person any money or real or personal property acquired from the person by means of any prohibited practice; or
(3)    Appoint a receiver in the case of a willful violation of this subtitle.
(c)    In any action brought by the Attorney General under this section, the Attorney General is entitled to recover the costs of the action for the use of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 4 - Maryland Mortgage Fraud Protection Act › Section 7-404.1 - Enforcement Powers of Commissioner

(a)    The Commissioner may enforce the provisions of this subtitle by exercising any of the powers provided under §§ 2–113 through 2–116 of the Financial Institutions Article.
(b)    (1)    The Commissioner may seek an injunction to prohibit a person who has engaged or is engaging in a violation of this subtitle from engaging or continuing to engage in the violation.
(2)    The court may enter any order or judgment necessary to:
(i)    Prevent the use by a person of any prohibited practice;
(ii)    Restore to a person any money or real or personal property acquired from the person by means of any prohibited practice; or
(iii)    Appoint a receiver in case of willful violation of this subtitle.
(3)    In any action brought by the Commissioner under this subsection, the Commissioner is entitled to recover the costs of the action for the use of the State.
(c)    The Commissioner may enforce the provisions of this subtitle by requiring a violator to take affirmative action to correct the violation including the restitution of money or property to any person aggrieved by the violation.
(d)    The Commissioner may:
(1)    Investigate violations of this subtitle; and
(2)    Aid any other unit of State government that has regulatory jurisdiction over the business activities of the violator.
(e)    The Commissioner may cooperate in the investigation and prosecution of any violation of this subtitle with the Office of the Attorney General, the State’s Attorney, or any other unit of law enforcement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 4 - Maryland Mortgage Fraud Protection Act › Section 7-405 - Investigation and Prosecution

(a)    The Attorney General and the State’s Attorney are authorized to conduct the criminal investigation and prosecution of all cases of mortgage fraud under this subtitle.
(b)    The Attorney General or the State’s Attorney, as appropriate, shall promptly report a conviction under this subtitle to the unit of State government that has regulatory jurisdiction over the business activities of the person convicted.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 4 - Maryland Mortgage Fraud Protection Act › Section 7-406 - Action for Damages

(a)    (1)    In addition to any action authorized under this subtitle and any other action otherwise authorized by law, a person may bring an action for damages incurred as the result of a violation of this subtitle.
(2)    A person may bring an action for damages under this section:
(i)    Without having to exhaust administrative remedies under this subtitle; and
(ii)    Regardless of the status of an administrative action or a criminal prosecution, if any, under this subtitle.
(b)    A person who brings an action under this section and who is awarded damages may also seek, and the court may award, reasonable attorney’s fees.
(c)    If the court finds that the defendant violated this subtitle, the court may award damages equal to three times the amount of actual damages.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 4 - Maryland Mortgage Fraud Protection Act › Section 7-407 - Penalties

(a)    Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a person who violates this subtitle is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or both.
(b)    If a violation involves a victim who is a vulnerable adult as defined under § 3–604(a) of the Criminal Law Article, a person who violates this subtitle is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $15,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 15 years or both.
(c)    If a violation involves engaging or participating in a pattern of mortgage fraud or a conspiracy or endeavor to engage or participate in a pattern of mortgage fraud, a person who violates this subtitle is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or both.
(d)    (1)    A person convicted of violating this subtitle shall pay restitution to any person damaged by the violation.
(2)    Restitution shall be ordered in addition to a fine or imprisonment or both.
(e)    Each residential real property transaction subject to a violation of this subtitle constitutes a separate offense, and shall not merge with any other crimes set forth in the Criminal Law Article.
(f)    A person who violates this subtitle is subject to § 5–106(b) of the Courts Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 4 - Maryland Mortgage Fraud Protection Act › Section 7-408 - Property Subject to Forfeiture

(a)    All real and personal property used or intended for use in the course of, derived from, or realized through a violation of this subtitle shall be subject to forfeiture to the State.
(b)    The Attorney General and the State’s Attorney are authorized to commence forfeiture proceedings under this subtitle.
(c)    The forfeiture of property under this subtitle shall be subject to Title 13, Subtitle 4 of the Criminal Procedure Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Act › Section 7-501 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation in the Maryland Department of Labor.
(c)    “Dwelling” has the meaning stated in 12 C.F.R. § 1015.2 and any subsequent revision of that regulation.
(d)    “Mortgage assistance relief service” has the meaning stated in 12 C.F.R. § 1015.2 and any subsequent revision of that regulation.
(e)    (1)    “Mortgage assistance relief service provider” has the meaning stated in 12 C.F.R. § 1015.2 and any subsequent revision of that regulation.
(2)    “Mortgage assistance relief service provider” incorporates the meanings of other terms stated in 12 C.F.R. § 1015.2 to the extent those terms are used to establish the meaning of “mortgage assistance relief service provider”.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Act › Section 7-502 - Compliance With Federal Law Required

A mortgage assistance relief service provider providing mortgage assistance relief service in connection with a dwelling in the State that does not comply with 12 C.F.R. §§ 1015.1 through 1015.11 and any subsequent revision of those regulations is in violation of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Act › Section 7-503 - Attorney Exemptions

The attorney exemptions in 12 C.F.R. § 1015.7 apply only to an individual admitted to practice law in the State who provides mortgage assistance relief service as part of the individual’s regular practice of law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Act › Section 7-504 - Venue

For the purpose of venue under this subtitle, a violation of this subtitle shall be considered to have been committed:
(1)    In the county in which the dwelling is located for which mortgage assistance relief service is being provided;
(2)    In the county in which an act was performed in furtherance of the violation; and
(3)    In the county in which a person alleged to have violated this subtitle had control or possession of any proceeds of the violation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Act › Section 7-505 - Injunction or Other Relief

(a)    The Attorney General may seek an injunction to prohibit a person who has engaged or is engaging in a violation of this subtitle from engaging or continuing to engage in the violation.
(b)    The court may enter any order or judgment necessary to:
(1)    Prevent the use by a person of any prohibited practice;
(2)    Restore to a person any money or real or personal property acquired from the person by means of any prohibited practice; or
(3)    Appoint a receiver in case of willful violation of this subtitle.
(c)    In any action brought by the Attorney General under this section, the Attorney General is entitled to recover the costs of the action for the use of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Act › Section 7-506 - Commissioner's Enforcement Powers

(a)    The Commissioner may enforce the provisions of this subtitle by exercising any of the powers provided under §§ 2–113 through 2–116 of the Financial Institutions Article.
(b)    (1)    The Commissioner may seek an injunction to prohibit a person who has engaged or is engaging in a violation of this subtitle from engaging or continuing to engage in the violation.
(2)    The court may enter any order or judgment necessary to:
(i)    Prevent the use by a person of any prohibited practice;
(ii)    Restore to a person any money or real or personal property acquired from the person by means of any prohibited practice; or
(iii)    Appoint a receiver in case of willful violation of this subtitle.
(3)    In any action brought by the Commissioner under this section, the Commissioner is entitled to recover the costs of the action for the use of the State.
(c)    The Commissioner may enforce the provisions of this subtitle by requiring a violator to take affirmative action to correct the violation, including the restitution of money or property to any person aggrieved by the violation.
(d)    The Commissioner may:
(1)    Investigate violations of this subtitle; and
(2)    Aid any other unit of State government that has regulatory jurisdiction over the business activities of the violator.
(e)    The Commissioner may cooperate in the investigation and prosecution of any violation of this subtitle with:
(1)    The Office of the Attorney General, a State’s Attorney, or any other unit of law enforcement in the State; or
(2)    The Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Act › Section 7-507 - Action for Damages

(a)    (1)    In addition to any action authorized under this subtitle and any other action otherwise authorized by law, a person may bring an action for damages incurred as the result of a violation of this subtitle.
(2)    A person may bring an action for damages under this section:
(i)    Without having to exhaust administrative remedies under this subtitle; and
(ii)    Regardless of the status of an administrative action or a criminal prosecution, if any, under this subtitle.
(b)    A person who brings an action under this section and who is awarded damages also may seek, and the court may award, reasonable attorney’s fees.
(c)    If the court finds that the defendant violated this subtitle, the court may award damages equal to three times the amount of actual damages.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Act › Section 7-508 - Criminal Investigation and Prosecution; Reporting

(a)    The Attorney General and the State’s Attorney are authorized to conduct the criminal investigation and prosecution of all cases alleging a violation of this subtitle.
(b)    The Attorney General or the State’s Attorney, as appropriate, shall report promptly a conviction under this subtitle to the unit of State government that has regulatory jurisdiction over the business activities of the person convicted.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Act › Section 7-509 - Penalties

(a)    A person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.
(b)    (1)    A person convicted of violating this subtitle shall pay restitution to any person damaged by the violation.
(2)    Restitution shall be ordered in addition to a fine or imprisonment or both.
(c)    Each violation of this subtitle constitutes a separate offense and shall not merge with any other crimes set forth in the Criminal Law Article.
(d)    A person who violates this subtitle is subject to § 5–106(b) of the Courts Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 7 - Mortgages, Deeds of Trust, and Vendor's Liens › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Act › Section 7-510 - Applicability of Commercial Law Article

A violation of this subtitle is:
(1)    An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of the Commercial Law Article; and
(2)    Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of the Commercial Law Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 1 - General Rules › Section 8-101 - Remedies of and Against Transferee of Reversion in Leased Property

A transferee of the reversion in leased property or of the rent has the same remedies by entry, action, or otherwise for nonperformance of any condition or agreement contained in the lease, as the original landlord would have had if the reversion or rent had remained in the original landlord. A transferee of the reversion in leased property is subject to the same remedies, by action or otherwise, for nonperformance of any agreement contained in the lease, as the original landlord. This section applies to any transferee of a reversion in leased property, by voluntary grant or operation of law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 1 - General Rules › Section 8-102 - Remedy on Covenants in Case of Merger

If the reversion of any leased premises merges in any other estate, the person entitled to the estate into which the reversion merges has the same remedy against the tenant for nonpayment of rent or other forfeiture, or for not performing conditions, covenants, or agreements, as the person entitled to the reversion would have had if the reversion had not merged.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 1 - General Rules › Section 8-103 - No Merger by Mortgage to Landlord

There is no merger by reason of any grant by way of mortgage or assignment of mortgage from the tenant of any property leased for a term of years, to the landlord of the property, whether by original or sublease, and the same rights and remedies exist as if the grantee in the grant had no other interest or estate in the property than the one granted.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 1 - General Rules › Section 8-104 - In Grant of Nonpossessory Corporeal Interest, Attornment by Tenant Unnecessary; Payment of Rent Before Notice

Any grant of a nonpossessory corporeal estate is valid and effective without the attornment of the tenant in possession. However, any payment of rent by the tenant to the grantor of the grant prior to actual notice of the grant is an effective discharge of liability for the rent.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 1 - General Rules › Section 8-105 - Exculpatory and Indemnification Clauses

If the effect of any provision of a lease is to indemnify the landlord, hold the landlord harmless, or preclude or exonerate the landlord from any liability to the tenant, or to any other person, for any injury, loss, damage, or liability arising from any omission, fault, negligence, or other misconduct of the landlord on or about the leased premises or any elevators, stairways, hallways, or other appurtenances used in connection with them, and not within the exclusive control of the tenant, the provision is considered to be against public policy and void. An insurer may not claim a right of subrogation by reason of the invalidity of the provision.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 1 - General Rules › Section 8-106 - Payment of Rent on Death of Landlord Who Is Life Tenant

If a landlord, having only an estate for life, dies on or before the day on which the rent that has been earned is payable and the landlord’s death terminates the leasehold estate, the landlord’s personal representative may recover from the tenant the full amount of the rent if death occurs on the day the rent is payable or a proportionate share of the rent if death occurs before this day.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 1 - General Rules › Section 8-107 - Limitation of Actions

If there is no demand or payment for more than 20 consecutive years of any specific rent reserved out of a particular property or any part of a particular property under any form of lease, the rent conclusively is presumed to be extinguished and the landlord may not set up any claim for the rent or to the reversion in the property out of which it issued. The landlord also may not institute any suit, action, or proceeding to recover the rent or the property. However, if the landlord is under any legal disability when the period of 20 years of nondemand or nonpayment expires, the landlord has two years after the removal of the disability within which to assert the landlord’s rights.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 1 - General Rules › Section 8-108 - Judgment for Renewal of Lease

(a)    A court may enter judgment for the renewal of a lease that contains a covenant for renewal, including a lease for 99 years, renewable forever.
(b)    A judgment for renewal of a lease is binding on each person who becomes a party to the action or has been served with process in accordance with Maryland Rule 2-122 and renews the title of all persons interested under the lease for the additional term, under the rent, and upon the covenants, conditions, and stipulations provided in the lease.
(c)    A judgment for the renewal of a lease shall be recorded among the land records of each county in which land that is subject to the lease is located.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 1 - General Rules › Section 8-109 - Effect of Covenant for Perpetual Renewal in Lease

Uninterrupted possession for 12 months after the expiration of the lease containing a covenant for perpetual renewal of all or part of the leased premises by the tenant or any person claiming under the tenant operates as a renewal with respect to the entire premises. It conclusively is presumed in reference to the whole or any part of the leased premises, of which possession is retained, and in favor of the tenant or of the person claiming under the tenant, that a new lease of the whole of the leased premises was executed prior to the expiration of the lease by the landlord named in it, or by the person rightfully claiming under the landlord, to the tenant, or the person rightfully claiming under the tenant for the additional term under the rent and on the covenants, conditions, and stipulations as were provided in the lease.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 1 - General Rules › Section 8-111 - Back Rent on Renewal of Lease

If a tenant named in a lease or an assignee of a lease applies to the tenant’s landlord for a renewal under a covenant in the lease giving the tenant the right to renewal, and if the tenant cannot produce vouchers or satisfactory evidence showing payment of rent accrued for three years next preceding the tenant’s demand and application, the landlord, before executing the renewal of the lease or causing it to be executed, is entitled to demand and recover not more than three years’ back rent, in addition to any renewal fine that may be provided for in the lease. The tenant may plead this section in bar of the recovery of any larger amount of rent.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 1 - General Rules › Section 8-112 - Termination of Tenancy for Fire or Unavoidable Accident

If the improvements on property rented for a term of not more than seven years become untenantable by reason of fire or unavoidable accident, the tenancy terminates, and all liability for rent ceases on payment proportionately to the day of fire or unavoidable accident.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 1 - General Rules › Section 8-113 - Effect of Covenant to Surrender Premises in Good Repair

A covenant or promise by the tenant to leave, restore, surrender, or yield the leased premises in good repair does not bind the tenant to erect any similar building or pay for any building destroyed by fire or otherwise without negligence or fault on the tenant’s part.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 1 - General Rules › Section 8-115 - Rent Reserved as Crops

(a)    If a share of growing crops is reserved as rent, the rent reserved is a lien on the crops.
(b)    In Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, and Worcester counties, if a share of growing crops is reserved as rent, or advances by the landlord are made on the faith of the crops to be grown, the reserved rent and advances made are a lien on the crops. However, the contract making the advances shall be written and executed by the landlord and tenant.
(c)    Any lien provided for by this section is not divested by sale by the tenant, the personal representative of a deceased tenant, by the assignment of the tenant in bankruptcy or insolvency, or by process of law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 1 - General Rules › Section 8-116 - Stripping and Marketing of Tobacco

(a)    If tobacco is grown on leased property and the tenant fails to make reasonable progress within six months from September 1 to strip and place the tobacco on the market, the landlord may strip, pack, ship, and sell at the tenant’s expense any time after March 1, tobacco grown on the leased premises by the tenant in any previous year. All expenses paid by the landlord in the stripping, packing, shipment, or sale shall be a first and prior lien on the tobacco and the proceeds of the sale, notwithstanding any other agreement or obligation of the tenant or provision of law.
(b)    A tenant or the tenant’s agent, who interferes, directly or indirectly with the stripping, packing, shipment, or sale of tobacco by the landlord, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine of not less than $100 or by imprisonment for not less than 90 days nor more than six months, or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 1 - General Rules › Section 8-117 - Ownership of Propane Gas Container Placed on Leased Land

(a)    If a propane gas container with a total capacity of 25 gallons or more is placed on land, whether aboveground or underground, by a person other than the owner of the land under a lease or bailment between the landowner and the person placing the container on the land, the container is movable property during the term of the lease or bailment.
(b)    During the term of the lease or bailment, the ownership of the container:
(1)    Is not affected by the public or private sale of the land on which it is placed; and
(2)    Is not subordinate to the rights of any purchaser of the land at the sale.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 1 - General Rules › Section 8-118 - Rent Escrow Account in Certain Landlord-Tenant Actions

(a)    In an action under § 8-401, § 8-402, or § 8-402.1 of this title in which a party demands a jury trial, the District Court immediately shall enter an order directing the tenant or anyone holding under the tenant to pay all rents as they come due during the pendency of the action, as prescribed in subsection (b) of this section. The order shall require the rent to be paid as and when due under the lease starting with the next rent due date after the action was filed.
(b)    The District Court shall order that the rents be paid:
(1)    Into the registry of an escrow account of:
(i)    The clerk of the circuit court; or
(ii)    If directed by the District Court, an administrative agency of the county which is empowered by local law to hold rents in escrow pending investigation and disposition of complaints by tenants; or
(2)    To the landlord if both the tenant and landlord agree or at the discretion of the District Court.
(c)    (1)    In an action under § 8-401, § 8-402, or § 8-402.1 of this title, if the tenant or anyone holding under the tenant fails to pay rent as it comes due pursuant to the terms of the order, the circuit court, on motion of the landlord and certification of the clerk, the landlord, or agency of the status of the delinquent account, shall conduct a hearing within 30 days.
(2)    The District Court’s escrow order and the clerk’s certification are presumed to be valid.
(3)    The tenant may dispute the validity or terms of the District Court’s escrow order or raise any other defense to the tenant’s alleged noncompliance with the order.
(4)    If the circuit court determines that the failure to pay is without legal justification, the court may treat the tenant’s demand for jury trial as waived, and can either immediately conduct a nonjury trial or set the matter for a future nonjury trial on the merits of the landlord’s claim.
(d)    Upon final disposition of the action, the circuit court shall order distribution of the rent escrow account in accordance with the judgment. If no judgment is entered, the circuit court shall order distribution to the party entitled to the rent escrow account after hearing.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 1 - General Rules › Section 8-118.1 - Escrow Account in Wrongful Detainer Action

(a)    (1)    In an action under § 14–132 of this article in which a party demands a jury trial, the District Court immediately shall enter an order directing the person or entity in possession to pay the monthly fair rental value of the premises that is subject to the action, or such other amount as the court may determine is proper, starting as of the date the action was filed, as required in subsection (b) of this section.
(2)    The order shall require the amount determined by the court to be paid within 5 days of the date of the order.
(b)    The District Court shall order that the amount determined by the court be paid:
(1)    Into the registry of an escrow account of the clerk of the circuit court; or
(2)    To the plaintiff if both the defendant and the plaintiff agree or at the discretion of the District Court.
(c)    (1)    If the person or entity fails to pay under the terms of the order, the circuit court, on motion of the person or entity claiming possession and certification of the clerk or the plaintiff, if the payment is made to the plaintiff, of the status of the account, shall conduct a hearing within 30 days.
(2)    The District Court’s escrow order and the clerk’s certification are presumed to be valid.
(3)    The person or entity in possession may dispute the validity or terms of the District Court’s escrow order or raise any other defense to the person’s alleged noncompliance with the order.
(d)    (1)    If the circuit court determines that the failure to pay is without legal justification, the court may treat the person or entity in possession’s demand for jury trial as waived, and can immediately conduct a nonjury trial or set the matter for a future nonjury trial on the merits of the claim of the person or entity claiming possession.
(2)    If the circuit court, on motion, determines that either party is entitled to possession as a matter of law, the court shall enter a judgment in favor of that party for possession of the property and for any other appropriate relief.
(e)    (1)    Upon final disposition of the action, the circuit court shall order distribution of the escrow account in accordance with the judgment.
(2)    If no judgment is entered, the circuit court shall order distribution to the party entitled to the escrow account after hearing.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 2 - Residential Leases › Section 8-201 - Applicability of Subtitle

(a)    This subtitle is applicable only to residential leases unless otherwise provided.
(b)    This subtitle does not apply to a tenancy arising after the sale of owner-occupied residential property where the seller and purchaser agree that the seller may remain in possession of the property for a period of not more than 60 days after the settlement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 2 - Residential Leases › Section 8-202 - Lease Option Agreements

(a)    For the purposes of this section, a “lease option agreement” means any clause in a lease agreement or separate document that confers on the tenant some power, either qualified or unqualified, to purchase the landlord’s interest in the property.
(b)    (1)    A lease option agreement to purchase improved residential property, with or without a ground rent:
(i)    If executed after July 1, 1971, shall contain the following statement in capital letters: “THIS IS NOT A CONTRACT TO BUY.”; and
(ii)    If executed on or after July 1, 2018, shall also contain the following statement in capital letters and in close proximity to the tenant’s signature line:
“THIS AGREEMENT IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF YOUR LEASE AND IS GOVERNED BY TITLE 8 OF THE REAL PROPERTY ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND AND A TENANT OR PROSPECTIVE TENANT SHALL HAVE ALL APPLICABLE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES PROVIDED UNDER THAT TITLE.”.
(2)    In addition, the agreement shall contain a clear statement of its purpose and effect with respect to the ultimate purchase of the property which is the subject of the lease option.
(c)    If a lease option agreement fails to comply with subsection (b) of this section and is otherwise enforceable, the lease, the lease option agreement, or both may be voided at the option of the party that did not draft the lease option agreement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 2 - Residential Leases › Section 8-203.1 - Security Deposit Receipt

(a)    A receipt for a security deposit shall notify the tenant of the following:
(1)    The right to have the dwelling unit inspected by the landlord in the tenant’s presence for the purpose of making a written list of damages that exist at the commencement of the tenancy if the tenant so requests by certified mail within 15 days of the tenant’s occupancy;
(2)    The right to be present when the landlord inspects the premises at the end of the tenancy in order to determine if any damage was done to the premises if the tenant notifies the landlord by certified mail at least 15 days prior to the date of the tenant’s intended move, of the tenant’s intention to move, the date of moving, and the tenant’s new address;
(3)    The landlord’s obligation to conduct the inspection within 5 days before or after the tenant’s stated date of intended moving;
(4)    The landlord’s obligation to notify the tenant in writing of the date of the inspection;
(5)    The tenant’s right to receive, by first–class mail, delivered to the last known address of the tenant, a written list of the charges against the security deposit claimed by the landlord and the actual costs, within 45 days after the termination of the tenancy;
(6)    The obligation of the landlord to return any unused portion of the security deposit, by first–class mail, addressed to the tenant’s last known address within 45 days after the termination of the tenancy; and
(7)    A statement that failure of the landlord to comply with the security deposit law may result in the landlord being liable to the tenant for a penalty of up to 3 times the security deposit withheld, plus reasonable attorney’s fees.
(b)    The landlord shall retain a copy of the receipt for a period of 2 years after the termination of the tenancy, abandonment of the premises, or eviction of the tenant, as the case may be.
(c)    The landlord shall be liable to the tenant in the sum of $25 if the landlord fails to provide a written receipt for the security deposit.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 2 - Residential Leases › Section 8-204 - Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment

(a)    This section is applicable only to single or multi-family dwelling units.
(b)    A landlord shall assure the tenant that the tenant, peaceably and quietly, may enter on the leased premises at the beginning of the term of any lease.
(c)    If the landlord fails to provide the tenant with possession of the dwelling unit at the beginning of the term of any lease, the rent payable under the lease shall abate until possession is delivered. The tenant, on written notice to the landlord before possession is delivered, may terminate, cancel, and rescind the lease.
(d)    On termination of the lease under this section, the landlord is liable to the tenant for all money or property given as prepaid rent, deposit, or security.
(e)    If the landlord fails to provide the tenant with possession of the dwelling unit at the beginning of the term of any lease, whether or not the lease is terminated under this section, the landlord is liable to the tenant for consequential damages actually suffered by the tenant subsequent to the tenant’s giving notice to the landlord of the tenant’s inability to enter on the leased premises.
(f)    The landlord may bring an action of eviction and damages against any tenant holding over after the end of the tenant’s term even though the landlord has entered into a lease with another tenant, and the landlord may join the new tenant as a party to the action.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 2 - Residential Leases › Section 8-205 - Landlord to Give Tenant Receipt

(a)    (1)    In Anne Arundel County, unless the tenant makes payment by check or rents the property for commercial or business purposes, if property is leased for any definite term or at will, the landlord shall give the tenant a receipt showing payment and the time period which the payment covers.
(2)    On conviction of violating this section, any person or agent shall forfeit the rent for the period in question.
(b)    Except as otherwise provided in subsection (a) of this section, the landlord or landlord’s agent shall give the tenant a receipt if the tenant:
(1)    Makes payment in cash; or
(2)    Requests a receipt.
(c)    In addition to any other penalty, the landlord shall be liable to the tenant in the sum of $25 if the landlord fails to provide a written receipt as required by this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 2 - Residential Leases › Section 8-205.1 - Payments for Water or Sewer Utility Services to Landlord

(a)    In this section, “utility service provider” means a public service company or a unit of State or local government that provides water or sewer utility services.
(b)    (1)    This section applies only to a landlord of a building that contains one or two residential dwelling units.
(2)    This section does not apply to a landlord that requires a tenant, under an oral or written lease, to pay water or sewer bills directly to the utility service provider.
(c)    A landlord that requires a tenant to make payments for water or sewer utility services to the landlord shall:
(1)    Use a written lease that provides notice that the tenant is responsible for making payments for water or sewer utility services to the landlord; and
(2)    Provide a copy of the water or sewer bill to the tenant.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 2 - Residential Leases › Section 8-206 - Retaliatory Evictions in Montgomery County

(a)    Evictions described in subsection (b) of this section are called “retaliatory evictions”.
(b)    No landlord may evict a tenant of any residential property in Montgomery County because:
(1)    The tenant has filed a complaint against the landlord with any public agency;
(2)    The tenant has filed a lawsuit against the landlord; or
(3)    The tenant is a member of any tenants’ organization.
(c)    If the judgment is in favor of the tenant in any eviction proceeding for any of the defenses in subsection (b) of this section, the court may enter judgment for reasonable attorney fees and court costs against the landlord.
(d)    Nothing in this section restricts the authority of Montgomery County to legislate in the area of landlord–tenant affairs.
(e)    In addition to any other remedies provided under this title, Montgomery County may, by local law, establish authorization for a local agency to invoke enforcement procedures upon an administrative determination that a proposed eviction is retaliatory as prohibited by State or local law. These enforcement procedures may include injunctive or other equitable relief.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 2 - Residential Leases › Section 8-207 - Duty of Aggrieved Party to Mitigate Damages on Breach of Lease; Secondary Liability of Tenant for Rent

(a)    The aggrieved party in a breach of a lease has a duty to mitigate damages if the damages result from the landlord’s or tenant’s:
(1)    Failure to supply possession of the dwelling unit;
(2)    Failure or refusal to take possession at the beginning of the term; or
(3)    Termination of occupancy before the end of the term.
(b)    The provisions of subsection (a) of this section do not impose an obligation to show or lease the vacated dwelling unit in preference to other available units.
(c)    If a tenant wrongly fails or refuses to take possession of or vacates the dwelling unit before the end of the tenant’s term, the landlord may sublet the dwelling unit without prior notice to the tenant in default. The tenant in default is secondarily liable for rent for the term of the tenant’s original agreement in addition to the tenant’s liability for consequential damages resulting from the tenant’s breach, if the landlord gives the tenant prompt notice of any default by the sublessee.
(d)    No provision in this section may be waived in any lease.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 2 - Residential Leases › Section 8-208.1 - Retaliatory Actions

(a)    (1)    For any reason listed in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a landlord of any residential property may not:
(i)    Bring or threaten to bring an action for possession against a tenant;
(ii)    Arbitrarily increase the rent or decrease the services to which a tenant has been entitled; or
(iii)    Terminate a periodic tenancy.
(2)    A landlord may not take an action that is listed under paragraph (1) of this subsection for any of the following reasons:
(i)    Because the tenant or the tenant’s agent has provided written or actual notice of a good faith complaint about an alleged violation of the lease, violation of law, or condition on the leased premises that is a substantial threat to the health or safety of occupants to:
1.    The landlord; or
2.    Any public agency against the landlord;
(ii)    Because the tenant or the tenant’s agent has:
1.    Filed a lawsuit against the landlord; or
2.    Testified or participated in a lawsuit involving the landlord; or
(iii)    Because the tenant has participated in any tenants’ organization.
(b)    (1)    A landlord’s violation of subsection (a) of this section is a “retaliatory action”.
(2)    A tenant may raise a retaliatory action of a landlord:
(i)    In defense to an action for possession; or
(ii)    As an affirmative claim for damages resulting from a retaliatory action of a landlord occurring during a tenancy.
(c)    (1)    If in any proceeding the court finds in favor of the tenant because the landlord engaged in a retaliatory action, the court may enter judgment against the landlord for damages not to exceed the equivalent of 3 months’ rent, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs.
(2)    If in any proceeding the court finds that a tenant’s assertion of a retaliatory action was in bad faith or without substantial justification, the court may enter judgment against the tenant for damages not to exceed the equivalent of 3 months’ rent, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs.
(d)    The relief provided under this section is conditioned on the tenant being current on the rent due and owing to the landlord at the time of the alleged retaliatory action, unless the tenant withholds rent in accordance with the lease, § 8–211 of this subtitle, or a comparable local ordinance.
(e)    An action by a landlord may not be deemed to be retaliatory for purposes of this section if the alleged retaliatory action occurs more than 6 months after a tenant’s action that is protected under subsection (a)(2) of this section.
(f)    As long as a landlord’s termination of a tenancy is not the result of a retaliatory action, nothing in this section may be interpreted to alter the landlord’s or the tenant’s rights to terminate or not renew a tenancy.
(g)    If any county has enacted or enacts an ordinance comparable in subject matter to this section, this section shall supersede the provisions of the ordinance to the extent that the ordinance provides less protection to a tenant.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 2 - Residential Leases › Section 8-208.2 - Retaliatory Actions for Informing Landlord of Lead Poisoning Hazards

(a)    Notwithstanding the provisions of § 8-208.1 of this subtitle, a landlord of real property subject to the provisions of Title 6, Subtitle 8 of the Environment Article may not evict or take any other retaliatory action against a tenant primarily as a result of the tenant providing information to the landlord under Title 6, Subtitle 8 of the Environment Article.
(b)    For purposes of this section, a retaliatory action includes:
(1)    An arbitrary refusal to renew a lease;
(2)    Termination of a tenancy;
(3)    An arbitrary rent increase or decrease in services to which the tenant is entitled; or
(4)    Any form of constructive eviction.
(c)    A tenant subject to an eviction or retaliatory action under this section is entitled to the relief, and is eligible for reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, authorized under § 8-208.1 of this subtitle.
(d)    Nothing in this section may be interpreted to alter the landlord’s or the tenant’s rights arising from a breach of any provision of a lease.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 2 - Residential Leases › Section 8-208.3 - Landlord to Maintain Record of Rent Paid

Every landlord shall maintain a records system showing the dates and amounts of rent paid to the landlord by the tenant or tenants and showing also the fact that a receipt of some form was given to each tenant for each cash payment of rent.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Real Property › Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant › Subtitle 2 - Residential Leases › Section 8-210 - Information to Be Posted or Provided by Landlord

(a)    (1)    The landlord of any residential rental property shall include in a written lease or post a sign in a conspicuous place on that property listing the name, address, and telephone number of:
(i)    The landlord; or
(ii)    The person, if any, authorized to accept notice or service of process on behalf of the landlord.
(2)    If a landlord fails to comply with paragraph (1) of this subsection, notice or service of process shall be deemed to be proper if the tenant sends notice or service of process by any of the following means:
(i)    To the person to whom the rent is paid;
(ii)    To the address where the rent is paid; or
(iii)    To the address where the tax bill is sent.
(b)    (1)    This subsection applies only in Montgomery County.
(2)    In this subsection, “development” has the meaning provided in § 11B-101 of this article.
(3)    (i)    Before execution by a tenant of a lease for an initial term of 125 days or more, the owner of any residential rental property within any condominium or development shall provide to the prospective tenant, to the extent applicable, a copy of the rules, declaration, and recorded covenants and restrictions that limit or affect the use and occupancy of the property or common areas and to which the owner is obligated.
(ii)    The written lease shall include a statement, if applicable, that the obligations of the owner that limit or affect the use and occupancy of the property are enforceable against the owner’s tenant.