Higher Education Institutions - Over-the-Counter Contraception - Access and Reporting
HB1076 creates a new landlord-entry notice requirement for residential leased premises in Maryland. Except in emergencies, a landlord may enter only for specified purposes such as repairs, inspections, showings, safety checks, government-ordered work, or responding to a tenant’s written request, and must give the tenant written notice before entry. The bill also limits entry to daytime hours unless the tenant agrees otherwise in writing.
The notice must generally be provided at least 24 hours in advance and must state the date, approximate time, and specific purpose of entry. Notice may be delivered by first-class mail, a notice affixed to the door, or, if the tenant chooses, electronically by email, text message, or through an accessible tenant portal. The bill also allows a tenant to agree in writing to shorter notice, and it preserves emergency entry when needed to protect property, occupants, or the health and safety of others.
The bill adds new Section 8-220 to the Real Property Article of the Maryland Code, creating an enforceable statutory framework governing landlord access to residential rental units. It gives tenants a basis to seek injunctive relief and damages for violations, including repeated noncompliant demands for entry, and makes landlords liable for violations committed by agents acting at their direction. It also requires tenants who report a housing code violation to provide access within 24 hours after notifying the landlord, balancing tenant privacy with landlord inspection and repair rights.
The bill appears to have received broad legislative support, as reflected in strong floor votes in both chambers. The recorded votes show substantial majorities, suggesting general agreement with the goal of protecting tenant privacy while preserving landlord access for legitimate purposes. No committee transcript was provided, so the available record does not show detailed debate, but the vote margins indicate the measure was not especially controversial overall.
The main policy tension in HB1076 is between tenant privacy and landlord access. Tenant advocates would likely support the clearer notice requirements, shorter but still meaningful advance notice, and limits on entry times, while landlords may have concerns about operational flexibility, especially for repairs, inspections, showings, and emergency-like situations. Another possible point of contention is the enforcement provision allowing injunctions and damages, which could be viewed as necessary tenant protection or as exposing landlords to litigation risk. The bill also requires tenants alleging housing code violations to grant access within 24 hours, which helps landlords address problems but may be seen as narrowing tenant control over entry.