As the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session came to a close, Renters United Maryland is reflecting on the progress made—and the work still ahead—in the fight for housing justice.

This year brought some hard-earned victories for renters across the state, as well as sobering reminders of the continued challenges in securing safe, stable, and affordable housing for all Marylanders.

Here’s a look at the key legislative outcomes impacting tenants this session:

Stronger Protections for Tenants

• Eviction Notices: Renters will now be entitled to at least 6 days’ notice before a scheduled eviction. This critical time buffer can make the difference between displacement and finding support.

• Landlord Entry: Landlords or their agents must now provide 24 hours’ written notice before entering a tenant’s home—an important step in respecting tenants’ rights and privacy.

• Late Fee Cap: Late fees are now capped at 5% of the unpaid portion of rent. This ensures penalties remain reasonable and don’t spiral renters deeper into debt.

Safer, Healthier Housing

• Mold Remediation: Landlords will have 60 days to inspect and fix mold issues in most cases. Mold is a major health hazard, and this timeline sets a standard for timely response.

Legal Process Improvements

• Wrongful Detainers: Updates to service of process and trial scheduling will help make the system more equitable and ensure tenants aren’t unfairly caught off guard.

Funding: Mixed Results

• Access to Counsel in Evictions (ACE): This vital program has been extended through Fiscal Year 2028, helping ensure more renters have legal representation in court.

• Eviction Prevention Funding: Unfortunately, this budget took a hit—dropping from $10 million to $5 million in FY26. This is a setback that we must address moving forward.

These wins didn’t come easy. It took relentless advocacy, grassroots organizing, and the tireless efforts of people who believe housing is a human right.

At the same time, this session made clear that powerful interests are still at play—and the path ahead will demand even more unity, strategy, and bold action from our movement.

To every advocate, organizer, partner, and tenant who showed up this session: thank you. Let’s take a moment to acknowledge what we’ve accomplished—and then get ready to keep pushing forward.

We’re not done yet.

— Renters United Maryland Coalition