Reference No. CB-016-2020    Draft No.
Type: Council Bill Status: Enacted
Meeting Body County Council
Meeting Date 6/9/2020
Introduced Date 5/11/2020 Public Hearing Date 6/9/2020 @ 10:00 AM
Effective date: 6/29/2020    
Title: AN EMERGENCY ACT CONCERNING LANDLORD-TENANT CODE - PROHIBITION OF RENT INCREASES, RENTAL TERMINATIONS AND LATE FEES DURING THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS for the purpose of amending the Landlord-Tenant Code to prohibit rent increases, rental terminations; provides payment plans with certain tenants and prohibit late fees or penalties from being charged during the COVID-19 state-wide emergency.
Proposers/Sponsors: Jolene Ivey, Todd M. Turner, Calvin S. Hawkins, Thomas E. Dernoga, Rodney C. Streeter, Sydney J. Harrison, Mel Franklin, Dannielle M. Glaros, Deni L. Taveras, Monique Anderson-Walker, Derrick Leon Davis
Code sections: 13-138 - , 13-139 - , 13-140 - , 13-141 - , 13-142 - , 13-143 -
Attachments: 1. B2020016, 2. CB-016-2020 AIS, 3. CB-016-2020 Report, 4. CB-16-2020 Policy Memo and Fiscal Impact
Related files: LTR 07272020
Contact: Monica Best-James, Legislative Officer

Title

AN EMERGENCY ACT CONCERNING LANDLORD-TENANT CODE - PROHIBITION OF RENT INCREASES, RENTAL TERMINATIONS AND LATE FEES DURING THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS for the purpose of amending the Landlord-Tenant Code to prohibit rent increases, rental terminations; provides payment plans with certain tenants and prohibit late fees or penalties from being charged during the COVID-19 state-wide emergency.

 

Background

The financial crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has created a state-wide emergency. It has led to the mandated statewide closing of businesses and has resulted in record-setting unemployment and loss of income for record numbers of county residents. This bill will protect County residents by prohibiting the increase of residential rents and consolidated storage rents during the state of emergency declared by Governor Hogan on March 5, 2020. The bill will also prohibit foreclosures, evictions, lock-outs, the threat of evictions, and the imposition of penalties and late fees for overdue rents that result from the emergency. It also requires landlords to permit tenants to enter into payment plans if they are unable to pay rent due to the emergency.  These protections are extended to tenants that rent consolidated storage buildings.

 

The bill requires landlords to notify tenants, in writing, that rent increases will not become effective during the pandemic.  The referenced protections will expire 90 days after the Governor lifts the COVID19 state of emergency.

  

The County Executive has announced the availability of some rental assistance funding through a local program.  The County Council applauds the continuous efforts of the County Executive's Administration as it anticipates and serves the needs of the residents of Prince George's County. The Council also encourages the Administration to direct more COVID-19 relief funding to rental assistance and utility assistance for County residents that need the assistance.



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