Division 3. Landlord-Tenant Regulations
Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.
Division 3. Landlord-Tenant Regulations
Subdivision 1. General Provisions
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-135 (2026)
Sec. 13-135. Legislative findingsLinkCopy Citation
The Council finds that there is often unequal bargaining power between landlords and tenants; that the common law principles pursuant to which leases are interpreted as grants of right of possession rather than mutual and dependent covenants are ill-suited and inappropriate when applied to modern residential property; that in order to facilitate fair and equitable arrangements, foster the development of housing which will meet the minimum standards of the present day, and promote the health, safety and welfare of the people, it is necessary and appropriate that this County provide certain minimum rights and remedies, obligations and prohibitions for landlords and tenants in the use and occupancy of certain kinds of rental facilities.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-136 (2026)
Sec. 13-136. Purposes and policiesLinkCopy Citation
(a)
This Division shall be liberally construed and applied to promote its underlying purposes and policies.
(b)
The underlying purposes and policies of this Division are to:
(1)
Supplement the Public General Law governing the rental of dwelling units;
(2)
Encourage landlords and tenants to maintain and improve the quality of housing in this County;
(3)
Assure fair and equitable relations between landlords and tenants insofar as any rights and remedies granted under this Division are not used by landlords and tenants as a means of harassment;
(4)
Revise the common law of landlord and tenant to serve more realistically the needs of an urban society developing within the County.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-137 (2026)
Sec. 13-137. Applicability of ArticleLinkCopy Citation
Subject to any Public General State Laws to the contrary, including, but not limited to, the Real Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, this Division shall regulate and determine legal rights, remedies, and obligations of the parties and the beneficiaries of any lease agreement concerning any multifamily rental facility consisting of a building containing three (3) or more rental dwelling units within this County or any single-family rental facility consisting of a building containing one (1) or more rental dwelling units. Any lease agreement entered into after July 1, 1973, shall be unenforceable hereunder insofar as the agreement or any provision thereof conflicts with any provision of this Division. Such unenforceability shall not affect other provisions of the agreement which can be given effect without such unenforceable provision. The provisions of this Division shall apply to all subsequent terms of leases, which terms commence after July 1, 1973.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-138 (2026)
Sec. 13-138. DefinitionsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
For the purposes of this Division (and Division 4):
(1)
Affected Tenant shall mean any tenant whose health, safety, or welfare is, or reasonably may be, impaired by a defective tenancy.
(2)
Age Restricted Senior Housing shall mean any senior facility and/or building that has an age restriction of fifty-five (55) years and older for a lease to live in the facility and/or building.
(2.1)
Banked amount means the dollar amount of an annual rent increase allowance that a landlord did not use to increase the rent for a regulated unit.
(2.2)
Base rent means rent charged for a regulated rental unit under a lease, exclusive of any rental discounts, incentives, concessions, or credits that are:
(A)
offered by the landlord;
(B)
accepted by the tenant; and
(C)
itemized in the lease separate from the rent.
(3)
Bona Fide Complaint, Response, or Effort shall mean a complaint or response or effort made in good faith regarding alleged violations of this Division.
(3.1)
Capital improvements mean permanent structural alterations to a regulated unit intended to enhance the value of the unit. Capital improvements include replacement of major systems, or structural alterations required under federal, state, or County law. Capital improvements do not include ordinary repair or maintenance of existing structures.
(4)
Common Area shall mean all areas and facilities within the facility and/or building that are not designated by landlord or Property Manager for the exclusive use of tenant or any other lessee or other occupant of the facility and/or building, to include the parking areas, access and perimeter roads, pedestrian sidewalks, landscaped areas, trash enclosures, recreation areas, and the like.
(4.1)
CPI-U means the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria Area, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as determined in the Regulations issued in accordance with this Subdivision.
(5)
Days shall mean calendar days unless otherwise specified.
(6)
Defective Tenancy shall mean any condition in a single-family rental facility or a multifamily rental facility or matter related to its maintenance, use, or occupancy which constitutes a violation of the terms of the lease or any provision of this Division, or constitutes a violation of any applicable Federal, State, County, or municipal law, regulation, or code reasonably related to the maintenance, use, or occupancy of the single-family rental facility or the multifamily rental facility.
(7)
Director shall mean the Director of the County Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement or designee.
(8)
Dwelling Unit shall mean one (1) or more rooms arranged for the use of one (1) or more individuals living together as a single housekeeping unit, with cooking, living, sanitary, and sleeping facilities as defined by the County Housing Code.
(9)
State of Emergency shall mean the definition provided in Section 14-107 or Section 14-111 of the Public Safety Article of the Maryland Annotated Code.
(9.1)
Garden Style Apartments shall consist of multiple small buildings spread out across one large property on the same parcel, lot, tract, or block of land, and ownership. The Garden Style Apartment includes levels or stories without an elevator.
(10)
High Occupancy Dwelling Facility shall mean any apartment building or group of buildings on the same parcel, lot, tract, block of land, or group of buildings having the same name comprising more than one hundred (100) Dwelling Units that have one or more owners in common.
(11)
Landlord shall mean the legal and equitable owner(s) of a property, or any portion thereof, used or to be used as a single-family rental facility or a multifamily rental facility and shall include, without limitation, a mortgagee, vendee, contract purchaser, assignee of rents, receiver, trustee, executor, personal representative, lessee, or any person, firm, or corporation who manages the multifamily rental facility by contractual agreement with the owner.
(12)
Lease shall mean any written agreement which establishes or modifies the terms, conditions, rules, regulations, or any other provisions concerning the maintenance, use, and occupancy of a rental dwelling unit.
(12.1)
Multifamily dwelling means a building containing four or more dwelling units. Units may be located side by side in a horizontal configuration or stacked one above the other in a vertical configuration, sharing common vertical walls or horizontal floors and ceilings. Multifamily dwelling does not include single family attached or detached houses.
(13)
Multifamily Rental Facility shall mean any building, structure, or combination of related buildings, structures, and appurtenances, operated as a single entity, housing cooperative ("COOP"), or a condominium, in which the landlord provides for a consideration three (3) or more rental dwelling units; but shall not be construed to mean any transient facilities such as boarding houses, tourist homes, inns, motels, hotels, school dormitories, hospitals or medical facilities, any other facilities operated for religious or eleemosynary purposes, continuing care facilities regulated by the State pursuant to Article 70B of the Maryland Annotated Code, and projects authorized under 10 U.S.C. 2828, which allows the U.S. Government to lease housing facilities at or near a military installation for assignment, without rental charge, as family housing for members of the Armed Forces.
(14)
Notice shall mean a written notice unless otherwise specified.
(15)
Property Manager shall mean an individual or company that has been retained to perform and carry out:
(A)
property rentals by advertising and filling vacancies, negotiating and enforcing leases, and maintaining and securing premises;
(B)
establishing rental rate(s) by and calculating overhead costs, depreciation, taxes, and profit goals;
(C)
attracting tenants by advertising vacancies, obtaining referrals from current tenants, explaining advantages of location and services, and showing units;
(D)
contracting with tenants by negotiating leases and collecting security deposit(s);
(E)
accomplishing financial objectives by collecting rents, paying bills, forecasting requirements, preparing budget(s), scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances, and initiating corrective action;
(F)
maintaining property by investigating and resolving tenant complaints, enforcing rules of occupancy, inspecting vacant units and completing repairs, planning renovations, contracting with landscaping and snow removal services;
(G)
maintaining building systems for maintenance services and supervising repairs;
(H)
securing property with security patrol service, installing and maintaining security devices, establishing and enforcing precautionary policies and procedures, and responding to emergencies; or
(I)
enforces occupancy policies and procedures.
(15.1)
Regulated rental unit or regulated unit means a rental unit that is not exempted under Section 13-147.
(16)
Security Measures and Security Equipment shall mean in multi-family rental housing to include, but is not limited to, the maintenance of garages and parking lots, security gates, entryway locks, lighting, security cameras, alarm systems, fencing and any measures designed to keep common areas of the leased premises under the landlord's control in operable condition.
(17)
Senior Lessee shall mean a person at least fifty-five (55) years of age at the time the lease or renewal is offered.
(18)
Single-Family Rental Facility shall mean any building, structure, or combination of related buildings, structures, and appurtenances operated as a single entity or a condominium, in which the landlord provides, for a consideration, one or more rental dwelling units not licensable under the Multifamily Rental Facility provisions; but shall not be construed to mean any transient facilities such as boarding houses, tourist homes, inns, motels, hotels, school dormitories, hospitals or medical facilities, or any other facilities operated for religious or eleemosynary purposes, and projects authorized under 10 U.S.C. 2828, which allows the U.S. Government to lease housing facilities at or near a military installation for assignment, without rental charge, as family housing for members of the Armed Force.
(18.1)
Substantial renovation means permanent alterations to a building that:
(A)
are intended to enhance the value of the building; and
(B)
cost an amount equal to at least 40 percent of the value of the building, as assessed by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.
(19)
Tenant shall mean any person who occupies a rental dwelling unit for living or dwelling purposes.
(20)
Tenant with Substantial Loss of Income shall mean any person who occupies:
(A)
a rental dwelling unit for living or dwelling purposes; and
(B)
tenant shall mean an existing tenant and does not include a prospective tenant; and
(C)
this new provision is provided for tenants that are able to provide proof through documentation or other objectively verifiable means, that the tenant suffered a Substantial Loss of Income and are therefore unable to make rent payments as a result of the emergency, as defined by the Governor of the State of Maryland's Executive Order Number 20-04-30-01, 20-03-30-01 and 20-05-13-01, as amended and extended by the Governor, and under Section 143A-02 of the Public Safety Article of the Maryland Code.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-139 (2026)
Sec. 13-139. Rent Increases-Limitations and Late Fees or Penalties During Certain Emergencies - ProhibitedLinkCopy Citation
(a)
From the date of adoption, a landlord shall not:
(1)
increase rent in an amount that exceeds two-point six percent (2.6%) per annum of the existing rent amount for any tenant not suffering a loss of income because of the emergency; or
(2)
increase rent for a tenant with substantial loss of income.
(b)
A landlord shall not issue notice of a rent increase, late fees or penalties during an emergency and within 90 days after the expiration of an emergency.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-140 (2026)
Sec. 13-140. Notices of rent adjustments and Rent Payment Plans During the EmergencyLinkCopy Citation
During an emergency, and within 90 days after the expiration of the emergency, a landlord:
(a)
shall not notify a tenant with substantial loss of income of a rent increase; or
(b)
shall inform a tenant with substantial loss of income in writing to disregard any notice of a rent increase if:
(1)
the landlord provided the notice to the tenant with substantial loss of income prior to the emergency; and
(2)
the effective date of the increase would occur on or after the date the emergency began; and
(c)
may offer rent payment plans, in writing, to tenants with substantial loss of income.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-141 (2026)
Sec. 13-141. Late fees or penalties - when prohibitedLinkCopy Citation
(a)
A landlord shall not charge late fees if they apply to payments required during the emergency.
(b)
A landlord shall not charge penalties during the emergency.
(c)
A landlord shall inform a tenant in writing to disregard any late fee or penalty notice if the landlord provided the notice to the tenant during the emergency.
(d)
A landlord may charge the costs of return check fees.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-142 (2026)
Sec. 13-142. Notice of prohibition of certain rent increases, limitations on the rate of certain rent increases, late fees and penaltiesLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and Department of Permitting Inspection and Enforcement (DPIE) shall provide information about the requirements of this Subdivision on their respective websites, including the date that the emergency expires, and the date that is 90 days after the expiration of the emergency.
(b)
DHCD and DPIE shall post notice to license holders of the prohibition of rent increases for a tenant that has not suffered a substantial loss of income as defined in CB-16-2020 and CB-52-2020, evictions, late fees or penalties and the two-point six percent (2.6%) per annum limit on rent increases for any tenant that has not suffered a substantial loss of income, within 15 days of the enactment of this bill.
(c)
The DPIE shall exercise the enforcement authority provided pursuant to Sec. 13-102 of Subtitle 13 and Sec. 1-123 of Subtitle 1 of this Code:
(1)
This enforcement authority shall include the authority to impose fines for violations of the provisions of this subtitle, including:
(2)
The authority to impose a penalty in the amount of $500 for the first violation of the provisions of Sec. 13-139 through 13-142 of this Subtitle; and
(3)
The authority to impose a penalty in the amount of $1000 for any subsequent violation of the provisions of Sec. 13-139 through 13-142 of this Subtitle; and
(4)
Any penalty collected shall be distributed to the general fund.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-143 (2026)
Sec. 13-143. Evictions are Prohibited for Non-Payment of RentLinkCopy Citation
(a)
A landlord shall not evict for non-payment of rent by a tenant that occupies a dwelling unit for living or dwelling purposes;
(b)
this new provision shall apply to any pending eviction proceedings not initiated before the COVID 19 emergency.
(c)
As a result, any pending eviction proceedings, for non-payment of rent, not initiated before the COVID 19 emergency shall be suspended until the duration of the emergency; and
(d)
new complaints filed against tenants for failure to pay rent shall be prohibited during the duration of the emergency;
(e)
this new provision applies from date of the Governor of the State of Maryland's Executive Order Number 20-04-03-01 until August 31, 2020.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-144 (2026)
Sec. 13-144. Annual rent increase allowanceLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Annual rent increase allowance. The Director annually shall calculate a rent increase allowance for regulated rental units applicable to rental lease renewals equal to the lesser of:
(1)
CPI-U plus 3 percent; or
(2)
6 percent.
(3)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsections (1) and (2) of this Subsection, the rent increase allowance for a regulated unit in an age restricted senior housing facility with a twelve (12) or twenty-four (24) month lease may not exceed the lesser of the CPI-U or 4.5 percent.
(b)
Duration. A rent increase allowance under Subsection (a) remains in effect for a 12-month period, beginning July 1st of each year and ending on June 30th of the following year.
(c)
By May 1st of each year, DPIE shall provide notice to the public of the annual rent increase allowance under Subsection (a), above, that will become effective on July 1st of that year.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-145 (2026)
Sec. 13-145. Rent increases — in general; vacant units; limited surcharges for capital improvementsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
In general. Except as provided under Subsection (b), below, upon a lease renewal or execution of a new lease, a landlord shall not increase the rent of a regulated rental unit to an amount greater than:
(1)
the base rent; plus
(2)
the rent increase allowance under Section 13-144; plus
(3)
any banked amount (the manner of application and determination of a "banked amount" shall be established by rent stabilization regulations adopted by the Director and shall include a requirement that the applicant fully compensate the County for any costs the Director determines are associated with determining whether the applicant meets the requirements of being able to utilize a banked amount); and
(4)
does not exceed 10 percent of the base rent.
(b)
Limited surcharge for capital improvements. Subject to Subsection (c), below, the Director shall grant a landlord's petition to add a surcharge to the amount permitted under Subsection (a) if the Director determines, in accordance with rent stabilization regulations adopted by the Director:
(1)
the surcharge is limited to an amount necessary to cover the costs of capital improvements to the regulated unit, excluding the costs of ordinary repair and maintenance;
(2)
the surcharge does not take effect until after the capital improvements are completed;
(3)
if the capital improvements are for all rental units within the building, the surcharge:
(A)
is divided equally among the units;
(B)
is prorated over at least 96 months; and
(C)
does not exceed 20 percent of the base rent;
(4)
if the capital improvements apply only to certain regulated rental units within the building, the surcharge:
(A)
is divided equally among the affected units;
(B)
is prorated over at least 60 months; and
(C)
does not exceed 15 percent of the base rent;
(5)
the surcharge for each unit ends once the costs of the capital improvements, including any interest and service charges, have been recovered by the landlord;
(6)
the capital improvements would protect or enhance the health, safety, and security of the tenants or the habitability of the rental housing, provided that the purpose of the capital improvements cannot be to address code or other habitability violations.
(A)
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a new owner may apply to the Director for a waiver to authorize the inclusion of limited surcharge, as provided in this Section,
(7)
if the capital improvements would result in energy cost savings:
(A)
the savings would be passed on to the tenant; and
(B)
either:
(i)
the improvements would result in a net savings in the use of energy in the building; or
(ii)
the improvements are intended to comply with applicable law;
(8)
the capital improvements are depreciable under the federal Internal Revenue Code;
(9)
the applicant has certified to the Director the costs of the capital improvements, including any interest and service charge;
(10)
the applicant has certified to the Director that required governmental permits and approvals have been granted; and
(11)
the applicant fully compensates the County for any costs the Director determines are associated with determining whether the applicant meets the requirements of this Subsection.
(c)
Surcharge — additional requirements.
(1)
A landlord must maintain, and must make available to a tenant with an active lease for the affected unit or the Director upon request, all plans, contracts, specifications, and permits related to any capital improvements for which a surcharge has been granted.
(2)
Immediately upon the completion of capital improvements under this Section, a landlord must permit the return to affected rental units of any tenant with an active lease for the unit who was displaced due to the improvements.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-146 (2026)
Sec. 13-146. Fair returnLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Fair return rent increase. In accordance with this Section and rent stabilization regulations adopted by the Director:
(1)
a landlord may apply to the Director to increase rent for a regulated unit in an amount that exceeds the annual rent increase allowance prescribed in Section 13-144; and
(2)
the Director shall grant the application if the Director finds that the increase is necessary for the landlord to obtain a fair return on the regulated unit; provided that
(3)
the applicant fully compensates the County for any costs the Director determines are associated with determining whether the applicant meets the requirements of this Section.
(b)
For purposes of this Section, fair return means a return on investment:
(1)
sufficient to offset operating expenses; and
(2)
commensurate with returns on investments in other enterprises having comparable risks, which is deemed commensurate if an investment's actual annual return (Net Operating Income/Cost Basis) is at least the sum of the actual average 10 year United States Treasury Rate for the annual return period, plus 3%;
(c)
The Director shall adopt rent stabilization regulations establishing:
(1)
a formula to determine the rent increase necessary to obtain a fair return for a regulated unit;
(2)
application requirements, including the information an applicant must submit to demonstrate the rent necessary to obtain a fair return;
(3)
a uniform system and procedures for processing applications;
(4)
criteria the Director must use to evaluate and to grant or deny an application; and
(5)
the duration of a rent increase approved under this Section.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-147 (2026)
Sec. 13-147. Exempt rental unitsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Exemptions. The requirements and limits of Section 13-145 do not apply to:
(1)
a newly constructed unit whose construction was completed on or after January 1, 2000;
(2)
a unit in a licensed facility, the primary purpose of which is the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, and treatment of illnesses;
(3)
a unit in a facility owned or leased by an organization exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code if the primary purpose of the organization is to provide temporary shelter for qualified clients;
(4)
an owner-occupied group house;
(5)
a religious facility, including a church, synagogue, parsonage, rectory, convent, and parish home;
(6)
a hotel or motel only serving transient residents;
(7)
a school dormitory;
(8)
a licensed assisted living facility or nursing home;
(9)
a building originally designed and constructed to contain only 2 dwelling units, one of which the owner currently occupies as a principal residence (domicile);
(10)
an accessory dwelling unit;
(11)
a unit subject to a regulatory agreement with a governmental agency or an agreement with a third-party entity that restricts occupancy of the unit to low and moderate income tenants;
(12)
Subject to rent stabilization regulations adopted by the Director, a unit located within a substantially renovated building if:
(A)
the substantial renovation was or is completed on or after January 1, 2000; and
(B)
the building is not in violation of Subtitles 4 or 13;
(13)
a rental unit owned by a landlord who:
(A)
owns 5 or fewer rental units within the County; and
(B)
is either:
(i)
a natural person or the living trust of a natural person; or
(ii)
the trust or estate of a decedent;
(14)
a condominium unit owned by one or more individuals domiciled in Prince George's County; and
(15)
any unit within or a part of a building cooperative.
(b)
Expiration of exemption. An exemption under Subsection (a), above, expires when the conditions entitling the unit or facility to an exemption cease or no longer exist.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-147.1 (2026)
Sec. 13-147.1. Regulation of feesLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Regulations. The Director shall adopt rent stabilization regulations regarding limitations on fee increases and that prohibit landlords from imposing new fees for services and amenities included during the term of the lease.
(b)
Fee schedule. At the discretion of the Director, a fee schedule may be included, as a part of the rent stabilization regulations.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-147.2 (2026)
Sec. 13-147.2. Rent stabilization data collectionLinkCopy Citation
(a)
On or before September 30th of each year, a landlord must submit to the Department a report for the preceding 12-month period, beginning July 1st and ending on June 30th, regarding regulated rental units, rents, and notices of rent increases.
(b)
The landlord shall submit the report in the form and manner prescribed by the Director pursuant to rent stabilization regulations.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-147.3 (2026)
Sec. 13-147.3. Information and enforcementLinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), DPIE, and the Office of Community Relations (OCR) shall provide information about the requirements of this Subdivision on their respective websites, including, but not limited to, informing landlords, tenants, and the general public about the types of units subject to the provisions of this Subdivision and exempt from some or all of its provisions, petitions for capital improvements, substantial renovations, and fair return relief from Ordinance coverage. By January 1, 2026, DPIE shall provide a publicly available web portal that the general public can access and utilize to determine whether a particular rental property is subject to the limits of the rent increase allowance prescribed in Section 13-144 and whether the provisions of Sections 13-145, 13-146, or 13-147 are applicable to the property.
(b)
DPIE shall email and post notice to license holders of the per annum limits on rent increases prescribed in this Subdivision within fifteen (15) days of its effective date.
(c)
DPIE shall exercise the enforcement authority provided pursuant to Section 13-102 of Subtitle 13 and Section 1-123 of Subtitle 1 of this Code:
(1)
This enforcement authority shall include the authority to impose fines for violations of the provisions of this Subtitle, including any regulations authorized by this Subdivision, including:
(A)
The authority to impose a penalty in the amount of $1,000 for the first violation of the provisions of this Subdivision; and
(B)
The authority to impose a penalty of an amount up to $5,000 for any subsequent violations of the provisions of this Subdivision; and
(C)
Any penalty collected shall be evenly distributed between the Prince George's County Rental Assistance Program and the DPIE, and to pay for this Office.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-148 (2026)
Sec. 13-148. Rental Assistance ProgramLinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Prince George's County Rental Assistance Program ("RAP") is hereby established as an avenue of temporary financial assistance for the residents of Prince George's County that meet the eligibility requirements set forth in Section 13-149 of this Subdivision.
(b)
The Prince George's County Rental Assistance Program Fund is hereby established for the purposes of providing financial rental assistance to residents in accordance with Section 13-149 of this Subdivision. The availability of funds for the RAP shall be subject to allocation from the County budget and any other funding sources.
(c)
The Department of Housing and Community Development shall implement a program to administer financial assistance awards from the Prince George's County Rental Assistance Fund and will post all related information on their website.
(1)
The Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development ("Director") shall establish an application process, award procedures, and other regulations necessary to implement the RAP consistent with this Subdivision.
(2)
The Director shall publish and transmit to the County Council and the County Executive an annual report summarizing the activities of the Prince George's County Rental Assistance Program no later than June 30 th of each fiscal year.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-149 (2026)
Sec. 13-149. Eligibility and LimitationsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Eligibility requirements.
(1)
A tenant in Prince George's County shall be eligible to apply for and receive financial assistance from the Rental Assistance Program if:
(i)
The tenant of a rental property is located within Prince George's County; and
(ii)
Tenant is subject to a legally binding written lease or sublease agreement; and
(iii)
The tenant's primary residence is said rental property; and
(iv)
The tenant's household income is equivalent to or less than 60% of the Area Median Income ("AMI") for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area as established by the United States Office of Management and Budget; and
(2)
Financial assistance shall only be awarded to the Tenant directly.
(b)
Limitations
(1)
Tenants may apply for and receive assistance for a period of up to (6) months in a (24) month period. The (24) month period begins on the date the application is awarded.
(2)
Assistance may, but is not required, to be distributed over (6) consecutive months; or any (6) months from the award date for a period of up to (24) months, whichever occurs first, as requested by the tenant.
(3)
Two (2) years after the initial application for assistance, the tenant may reapply for assistance and receive an additional (6) months of assistance over a (24) month period from the date of the new award.
(4)
An award is limited to a maximum monthly amount equal to no more than 20% of the tenant's monthly rent.
(5)
Rental assistance shall not be awarded to multiple tenants simultaneously domiciled in an individual rental dwelling unit as defined by Section 13-138(a)(6) of the Code.
(6)
Rental assistance shall not be awarded simultaneously to multiple tenants domiciled in an multi-tenant rental dwelling unit.
(7)
For this section, multi-tenant rental dwelling unit means:
(i)
Multiple tenants simultaneously dwell within an individual rental unit; and
(ii)
Each tenant has either:
(1)
an independent lease or sublease, or
(2)
are all listed as co-tenants on the same lease.
(iii)
If the rental property is a single-family structure, either attached or detached, and each room is occupied by a separate tenant, then that property is considered a multi-tenant rental dwelling unit.
(8)
Only one rental assistance award per individual or multi-tenant rental dwelling unit may be in effect per 24-month period.
(9)
Short-term rentals, as defined under Sections 5-173 through 5-175.10 of the Code, are not eligible for financial assistance under the Rental Assistance Program.
(10)
Rental assistance awards shall be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis to new applicants followed by re-applicants.
Subdivision 1A. Returning Citizens Fair Chance to Housing
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-150 (2026)
Sec. 13-150. Legislative findingsLinkCopy Citation
The County Council finds that the County's returning citizens and those with criminal convictions have been and continue to be subjected to discrimination in their quest for adequate housing and that the subject discrimination creates a hindrance to those citizens meaningful participation in society.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-150.01 (2026)
Sec. 13-150.01. DefinitionsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this Subdivision the following terms shall have the denoted meaning.
(1)
Applicant means any person who applies or intends to apply to lease or rent housing in the County to include any person who resides or will reside with a person who applies to lease or rent housing in the County.
(2)
Arrest means apprehended, detained, taken into custody, held for investigation, or otherwise restrained by a law enforcement agency or military authority due to an accusation or suspicion that the person committed a crime.
(3)
Arrest Record means information indicating that a person has been apprehended, detained, taken into custody, held for investigation, or otherwise restrained by a law enforcement agency or military authority due to an accusation or suspicion that the person committed a crime.
(4)
Conditional Offer means an offer to rent or lease a Rental Housing Unit to an Applicant that is contingent on a subsequent inquiry into the applicant's Arrest Record, Conviction Record, Pending Accusation, or any other eligibility criteria that the Housing Provider may lawfully utilize.
(5)
Conviction means a sentence arising from a guilty verdict, plea of guilty, plea of nolo contender, or Alford plea including a sentence of incarceration, a fine, a penalty, suspended sentence, or a sentence of probation. Conviction does not mean a probation before judgment.
(6)
Conviction Record means information regarding a sentence arising from a guilty verdict, plea of guilty, plea of nolo contender, or Alford plea including a sentence of incarceration, a fine, a penalty, suspended sentence, or a sentence of probation to include a finding of abuse pursuant to § 3-1505 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article of the Maryland Code, § 4-506 of the Family Law Article of the Maryland Code, or extreme risk pursuant to § 5-605 Public Safety.
(7)
Housing Provider means a landlord, an owner, lessor, sublessor, assignee, or their or its agent, or other person receiving or entitled to receive rents or benefits for the use or occupancy of any Rental Dwelling Unit. Housing Provider includes the County government, but not the United States, the State, or any other local government.
(8)
Inquiry or Inquire means any direct or indirect conduct intended to gather criminal history information from or about an Applicant using any method, including application forms, interviews, or criminal history checks.
(9)
Pending Accusation means an existing written accusation that the Applicant has committed a crime, abused another, or is at risk of endangering another in the form of an indictment, information, petition for extreme risk protective order, petition for peace order, or petition for protective order.
(10)
Rental Housing Unit means a dwelling unit offered for rent by a Housing Provider for residential purposes, other than a dwelling unit in an owner-occupied premises of not more than three (3) units.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-150.02 (2026)
Sec. 13-150.02. Inquires into certain arrest, accusations, and convictionsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
A Housing Provider may not make an inquiry into or consider a previous arrest of an Applicant if it did not result in a conviction.
(b)
Before making a conditional offer, a Housing Provider shall not make an inquiry or inquire into or require an Applicant to disclose or reveal an Arrest, Conviction, or Pending Accusation.
(c)
Before accepting an application fee, a Housing Provider must disclose, in writing, to the Applicant:
(1)
The Housing Provider's eligibility criteria that includes the financial, the employment, and the rental history utilized in deciding whether to rent or lease a Rental Housing Unit; and
(2)
A statement that the Applicant may provide evidence demonstrating any inaccuracies in the Applicant's Arrest Record, Conviction Record, or Pending Accusations and that the Applicant may provide evidence of rehabilitation or other mitigating factors.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-150.03 (2026)
Sec. 13-150.03. Conditional offersLinkCopy Citation
(a)
After making a Conditional Offer, a Housing Provider may only consider an Applicant's Conviction that has occurred within seven (7) years of the application date that is for one (1) or more of the following enumerated crimes that were committed in the State of Maryland, any other State in the United States, the District of Columbia, the United States, or any United States territory:
(1)
Arson in the first or second degree under §§ 6-102 or 6-103 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(2)
Adult sexual displays under §§ 11-102, 11-103, 11-104, 11-104.01, or 11-105 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(3)
Indecent Exposure under § 11-107 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(4)
House of Prostitution under § 11-303 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(5)
Receiving earnings of prostitute under § 11-304 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(6)
Using building, structure, or conveyance for prostitution or assignation under § 11-307 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(7)
Abduction of child under 16 under § 11-305 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(8)
Injury to or interference with property - Acting with intent to hinder defense-related activity under § 9-702 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(9)
Child pornography under § 11-207 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(10)
Sale or display of obscene item to minor under § 11-203 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(11)
Criminal organization activity under § 9-802 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(12)
Participation in criminal organization under § 9-804 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(13)
Criminal organization under § 9-805 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(14)
Representation of destructive device under § 9-505 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(15)
Escape in the second degree device under § 9-405 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(16)
Exploitation of vulnerable adults under § 8-801 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(17)
Counterfeiting United States currency with intent to defraud under § 8-604 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(18)
Possessing or issuing counterfeit United States currency under § 8-604.1 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(19)
Malicious destruction under § 6-301 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(20)
Disarming a law enforcement officer under § 4-103 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(21)
Manufacture or possession of destructive device § 4-503 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(22)
Rape in the first or second degree under §§ 3-303 or 3-304 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(23)
Attempted rape in the first or second degree under §§ 3-309 or 3-310 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(24)
Sexual offense in the third or forth degree under §§ 3-307 or 3-308 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(25)
Murder in the first or second degree under §§ 2-201 or 2-202 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code;
(26)
Attempt murder in the first or second degree under §§ 3-205 or 3-206 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code; or
(27)
Manslaughter under § 3-207 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-150.04 (2026)
Sec. 13-150.04. Recission of conditional offerLinkCopy Citation
(a)
A Housing Provider may withdraw a Conditional Offer based on an Applicant's Conviction Record only if the housing provider determines, on balance, that the withdrawal achieves a substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory interest.
(b)
The Housing Provider's determination of a nondiscriminatory interest shall be reasonable in light of the following factors:
(1)
The nature and severity of the criminal offense;
(2)
The age of the applicant at the time of the occurrence of the criminal offense;
(3)
The time which has elapsed since the occurrence of the criminal offense;
(4)
Any information produced by the applicant, or produced on the applicant's behalf, in regard to the applicant's rehabilitation and good conduct since the occurrence of the criminal offense;
(5)
The degree to which the criminal offense, if it reoccurred, would negatively impact the safety of the housing provider's other tenants or property; and
(6)
Whether the criminal offense occurred on or was connected to property that was rented or leased by the applicant.
(c)
If a Housing Provider withdraws a Conditional Offer, the Housing Provider shall provide the applicant with written notification that includes, with specificity, the reason or reasons for the withdrawal of the Conditional Offer and a notice that advises the Applicant of the Applicant's right to file a complaint with the Office of Human Rights.
(d)
The Applicant may request, within 20 days after the housing provider's notice of the recession, that the Housing Provider provide the applicant a copy of all information that the Housing Provider relied upon in considering the Applicant, including the Conviction Record(s). The Housing Provider shall provide the requested information at no charge to the Applicant, within ten (10) days after a timely request.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-150.05 (2026)
Sec. 13-150.05. ExclusionsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
This Subdivision shall not apply:
(1)
To a Housing Provider that owns and occupies a premise the includes no more than three (3) rental units;
(2)
A Rental Housing Unit by any religious corporation, association, or society to a person of a particular religion whose rental or leasing therein is connected with the carrying on by such corporation, association, or society of its religious activities; or
(3)
Where a federal law or regulation or law of this State otherwise allows for denial of an Applicant due to certain criminal conviction(s).
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-150.06 (2026)
Sec. 13-150.06. Enforcement, penaltiesLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Filing a complaint with the Office of Human Rights shall be an Applicant's only and exclusive remedy, and an Applicant aggrieved by any Section of this Subdivision shall have no private cause of action in any court based on a violation of this subdivision.
(b)
The Office of Human Rights shall have the authority to award damages to an aggrieved Applicant pursuant to Section 2-195.01, Subdivision 3, Division 12, Subtitle 2 of the Prince Georges County Code.
Prince George's County, Md., Code §§ 13-151–13-152 (2026)
Sec. 13-151 through 13-152. ReservedLinkCopy Citation
Subdivision 2. Landlord-Tenant Code
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-153 (2026)
Sec. 13-153. Maintenance of property; landlord's responsibilityLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Warranty of Habitability. The landlord shall expressly warrant that, at all times during the tenancy, the landlord will comply with all applicable provisions of any Federal, State, County, or municipal statute, Code, regulations, or ordinance governing the maintenance, construction, use, or appearance of the dwelling unit and the property of which it is a part.
(b)
Duty to Maintain Facilities and Common Areas. The landlord shall be obligated to maintain all facilities and common areas supplied with the leased dwelling unit and/or as enumerated in the lease.
(c)
Promulgate Written Rules with Written Notice to Tenant. The landlord may, however, promulgate written rules to be consistent with the lease governing the use of the leased dwelling unit and the property of which it is a part, so long as the rules are reasonable and are not in violation of the applicable provisions of any Federal, State, County, or municipal law cited above and/or are not inconsistent with the provisions of the lease. The Tenant shall be notified in writing of any changes in the aforesaid rules.
(d)
Twenty-Four Hour Access for Emergency Purposes. Any landlord operating three or more rental units in the same facility shall be obligated to maintain a 24-hour telephone number and/or answering service where Tenants may contact the landlord in the event of an emergency affecting the health, safety, or welfare of any Tenant or any property thereof. The landlord shall notify all Tenants of the number in writing and by posting the number in a conspicuous place. The emergency number shall also be included in all leases executed after the effective date hereof. In the event of a change of the 24-hour emergency number, the landlord shall promptly notify all Tenants of such change.
(d-1)
Emergency Evacuation Plans—Age Restricted Senior Housing. Any landlord operating age restricted senior housing, as defined in Section 13-138(a)(2) of this Division, shall provide an emergency evacuation plan for the facility. The emergency evacuation plan shall be Maryland Life Safety Code 2018, adopted with amendments to the NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2018 compliant. The emergency evacuation plan shall be posted in the front office of the facility which is accessible to the public. The Plan shall include an evacuation map, location of fire extinguishers and the type of fire alarm inside. The emergency evacuation plan shall be provided by the landlord on-line. The Prince George's County Fire Department shall make available stickers for residents to place on their windows, at their discretion, to identify if persons in a unit have physical disabilities.
(e)
Security Measures and Security Equipment. The landlord shall ensure compliance with the following standards:
(1)
Security equipment provided by the landlord shall be properly installed, properly connected and properly maintained;
(2)
Security equipment shall be capable of adequately performing the function for which it was designed; and
(3)
Security equipment in multi-family rental housing shall be maintained in safe and good working condition. This requirement shall include, but is not limited to, garages and parking lots, entryway locks, lighting, security cameras, alarm systems, fencing and security gates.
(e-1)
Security Measures and Security Equipment for Garden Style Apartments.
(1)
Garden Style Apartments shall have at least one camera to cover multiple entrances and exits of each building.
(2)
Each security camera shall have at a minimum a resolution of 1080p, and, if the security camera tracks the date and time the time shall be tracked in eastern standard time.
(3)
Each landlord shall retain its security camera footage for no less than thirty (30) days, and, if a Tenant, law enforcement officer, person with a bona fide interest requests security camera footage in relation to an incident on the property then landlord shall retain its security camera footage for no less than one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of request.
(f)
Security Measures and Security Equipment for High Occupancy Facility(ies).
(1)
Each High Occupancy Dwelling Facility shall install and maintain twenty-four (24) hour security camera(s):
(A)
on each building and has a field of view of one hundred eighty degrees (180°) with a view of each aperture designated for ingress and egress to include emergency exits; and
(B)
at each Common Area(s).
(2)
Each security camera shall have at a minimum a resolution of 1080p, and, if the security camera tracks the date and time the time shall be tracked in eastern standard time.
(3)
Each landlord shall retain its security camera footage for no less than thirty (30) days, and, if a Tenant, law enforcement officer, person with a bona fide interest requests security camera footage in relation to an incident on the property then landlord shall retain its security camera footage for no less than one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of request.
(g)
Enforcement of Maintenance of Security Equipment in Common Areas. Tenants may bring complaints of defective or malfunctioning safety measures or equipment and related violations of Section 13-153 to:
(1)
The landlord, the Property Manager, or the landlord's agent; and
(2)
The landlord shall correct the defect or make repair(s) to the defective or malfunctioning safety measures or equipment within fourteen (14) business days; and
(3)
If the landlord fails to correct the defect or make repair(s) to the defective or malfunctioning safety measures or equipment within fourteen (14) business days, the Tenant may bring the complaints to the Director of the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE); and
(4)
If DPIE determines that a violation has occurred, DPIE may impose a civil fine or an administrative citation not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) for each violation; and
(5)
Any civil fine levied pursuant to this section shall be imposed each day the landlord is in violation of this section, and
(6)
Any penalty that DPIE imposes for a violation pursuant to this subsection, shall be in addition to any other penalty authorized under Federal, State, County, municipal statute, Code, regulations, case law or ordinance governing the maintenance, construction, use, or appearance of the dwelling unit and the property of which it is a part.
(h)
Financial Assistance.
(1)
The Director of the Office of Management and Budget may award a one (1) time rebate up to $5,000 to any High Occupancy Dwelling Facility that is subject to the provisions of this Subdivision for expenditures pertaining to security camera requirements.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-154 (2026)
Sec. 13-154. Landlord to supply possessionLinkCopy Citation
The landlord shall assure the tenant that the tenant may peaceably and quietly enter upon the leased premises at the beginning of the term of the lease. The landlord shall bear the sole responsibility for removing a holdover tenant from the dwelling unit.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-155 (2026)
Sec. 13-155. Landlord's right to accessLinkCopy Citation
(a)
The tenant shall not unreasonably withhold his consent to the landlord to enter into the dwelling unit in order to inspect the premises, make necessary repairs, decorations, alternations or improvements, supply services as agreed, or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective purchasers, mortgagees or tenants.
(b)
The landlord shall not abuse his right to access nor use it in any way to harass the tenant. Except in the event of an emergency, affecting the health, safety, or welfare of the landlord or any tenant or any property thereof, the landlord shall give the tenant at least twenty-four (24) hours written or oral notice of his intent to enter and shall enter only during normal business hours or at such other time as is mutually agreed to by the landlord and the tenant.
(c)
In the event that the tenant is absent from the dwelling unit at the time of entry, the landlord shall supply the tenant, within twenty-four (24) hours after the entry, with a written report of the entry, setting forth the purpose of the entry and the details of any repair, decoration, alteration or improvement.
(d)
The abuse of access rights by either the landlord or the tenant shall be a basis for the termination of the lease by the affected party.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-155.01 (2026)
Sec. 13-155.01. Tenant's right to read metersLinkCopy Citation
(a)
The landlord shall not withhold the right of tenants to access utility meters within leased premises having individual utility meters for gas, electricity, water or other services which are billed to the tenant by individual unit.
(b)
Access to meters within secured areas shall be arranged by appointment at the request of the tenant to the landlord or designated representative. Such appointments shall be requested at least three (3) working days in advance and shall be scheduled during normal business hours.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-156 (2026)
Sec. 13-156. Tenant's dutiesLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Each tenant shall comply with all obligations imposed upon him by the lease agreement and by applicable provisions of all State and County statutes, codes, regulations and ordinances, and in particular:
(1)
Keep that part of the premises which he occupies and uses clean and sanitary;
(2)
Dispose from his dwelling unit all rubbish, garbage, and other organic and flammable waste, in a clean and sanitary manner;
(3)
Keep all plumbing fixtures as clean and sanitary as their condition permits;
(4)
Properly use and operate all electrical and plumbing fixtures;
(5)
Prevent any person on the premises with his permission to willfully or wantonly destroy, deface, damage, impair or remove any part of the structure or dwelling unit or the facilities, equipment or appurtenances thereto, nor himself do any such thing;
(6)
Comply with all legal covenants and rules which the landlord can demonstrate are reasonably necessary for the preservation of the property and persons of the landlord, other tenants, or any other person;
(7)
Refrain from interfering with the rights of other tenants to peacefully enjoy the use and occupancy of the premises;
(8)
Provide to the landlord a copy of the key necessary to gain access to the premises if locks have been added, altered or changed by the tenant from the date of the lease agreement.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-157 (2026)
Sec. 13-157. Condition report on premisesLinkCopy Citation
(a)
If the landlord imposes a security deposit, he shall promptly deliver to the tenant, upon written request, a report setting forth all damages existing within the leased dwelling unit, pursuant to the Real Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The request shall be made within fifteen (15) days of the tenant's occupancy of the leased dwelling unit. The tenant shall, if he disagrees with the report, serve on the landlord a statement of his own, setting forth any variations, within five (5) days after he receives the report. Failure by the landlord to provide the tenant with such a report shall make the landlord liable to the tenant for threefold the amount of the security deposit.
(b)
The landlord shall be presumed to be responsible for any damages noted in the condition report and any variations noted therein, unless proof of repairs is shown.
(c)
Any defective condition within the leased dwelling unit which comes to the tenant's attention, which he has reason to believe is unknown to the landlord, shall be reported to the landlord within forty-eight (48) hours. Where the defective condition may cause serious damage to person or property, it shall be reported to the landlord immediately.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-158 (2026)
Sec. 13-158. Late feesLinkCopy Citation
The landlord shall be entitled to charge a late fee of not more than one percent (1%) of the total monthly rental payment per day for each day the tenant is late, commencing with the sixth (6th) day of the period for which rent is due and being paid, not to exceed a total of five percent (5%) of the total monthly rental payment. However, if the tenant receives public assistance pursuant to Sections 48, 65A, 65B, and 65C of Article 88A of the Annotated Code of Maryland, and the public assistance check has not been mailed to the tenant by the State Department of Human Services on or before the date the rent is due, the landlord shall be entitled to charge the late fee commencing on the sixth (6th) day after the day the public assistance check was actually mailed. It shall be the responsibility of each tenant who receives public assistance to inform the landlord, in writing, that the public assistance check was mailed later than the day upon which the rent was due, and to provide reasonable, satisfactory evidence to establish this fact. In the case of leases under which the rent is paid in weekly rental installments, a penalty of Three Dollars ($3.00) may be charged for the late payment of rent. However, no late penalties for rent paid under a lease providing for weekly rental installments shall constitute, in the aggregate, more than Twelve Dollars ($12.00) per month. Provided further, that in no event should the landlord demand the payment of any fees or other charges except rent, court filing fees, and court awarded costs as a condition precedent to allowing the tenant to exercise his right to redeem the leased dwelling unit as provided for by the Real Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply to any tenant against whom three (3) judgments of possession have been entered for rent due and unpaid in the twelve (12) months prior to the initiation of the action to which the foregoing would otherwise apply. The landlord shall be entitled to recover only those costs and/or filing fees actually incurred. If requested in writing, the landlord shall provide the tenant with a written statement of charges actually incurred, to include the District Court (Landlord-Tenant) case number and a copy of the complaint form. Any such request by the tenant must be made within thirty (30) days of the costs being assessed and may not cover any other request for filing costs assessed in excess of one hundred eighty (180) days. Nothing in this Section shall be interpreted to alter a landlord's remedies to recover damages due from a tenant arising from breach of a lease or provisions of law.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-159 (2026)
Sec. 13-159. Security deposits; amounts; escrow accounts; interestLinkCopy Citation
(a)
A security deposit is any advance or deposit of money given to the landlord by the tenant for the purpose of securing the performance of the rental agreement or any part thereof.
(b)
A landlord shall not impose a security deposit in excess of the equivalent of two (2) months' rent or Fifty Dollars ($50.00), whichever is greater, per dwelling unit, regardless of the number of tenants.
(1)
If the landlord charges more than the equivalent of two (2) months' rent or Fifty Dollars ($50.00), whichever is greater, per dwelling unit, as a security deposit, the tenant shall have the right to recover up to threefold the extra amount so charged, plus reasonable attorney's fees.
(2)
An action under this Section may be brought at any time during the tenancy, or within two (2) years after the lease is terminated.
(c)
The landlord shall maintain the security deposit in an interest bearing and insured escrow account in a bank or savings and loan association located within the State of Maryland, and administer it for the benefit of the tenant. This money shall not be commingled with any asset of the landlord and shall be identified in some manner as security deposit escrow money. Failure to provide such information shall be cause for denial, suspension, or revocation of the license to operate a multifamily rental facility as required by Section 13-184.
(1)
The landlord shall give a tenant a receipt for a security deposit. The receipt shall be included as a provision in the lease.
(2)
The landlord shall be liable to the tenant in the sum of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) if the landlord fails to provide a written receipt for a security deposit.
(d)
The landlord shall deposit the security deposit money within thirty (30) days after its receipt. The tenant shall be entitled to interest earned on the deposit as provided under § 8-203 of the Real Property Article.
(e)
In the event of sale or transfer of any sort, including, but not limited to, receivership or bankruptcy, the security deposit shall be binding on the successor in interest to the person to whom the deposit is given. Security deposits shall be free from any attachment by creditors.
(f)
Any successor in interest shall be liable to the tenant for failure to return the security deposit together with interest, as provided by this Section.
(g)
The landlord shall return the security deposit and interest per annum, as determined pursuant to § 8-203 of the Real Property Article, less any damages rightfully withheld, within forty-five (45) days after the lease is terminated.
(1)
Interest shall accrue at six (6) month intervals from the day the landlord deposits the security deposit. Interest shall not compound.
(2)
Interest shall be payable only on security deposits of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) or more.
(3)
If the landlord fails, without a reasonable basis as specified in Subsection (h), to return all or any part of the security deposit and that portion of the accrued interest within forty-five (45) days after the lease is terminated, the tenant shall have the right to recover up to threefold the amount so withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees.
(h)
The tenant has the right to be present when the landlord or his agent inspects the leased dwelling unit in order to determine if any damage was done to the leased dwelling unit, if the tenant notifies the landlord by certified mail of his intention to move, the date of moving, and his new address. The notice to be furnished by the tenant to the landlord shall be mailed at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of moving. Upon receipt of the notice, the landlord shall notify the tenant by certified mail of the time and date when the leased dwelling unit is to be inspected. The date of inspection shall occur within five (5) days before or five (5) days after the date of moving as designated in the tenant's notice. The tenant shall be advised of his rights under this Subsection in writing at the time of his payment of the security deposit. Failure by the landlord to comply with this requirement forfeits the right of the landlord to withhold any part of the security deposit for damages.
(1)
The security deposit may not be forfeited to the landlord for breach of the rental agreement, except in the amount that the landlord is actually damaged by the breach.
(2)
In calculating damages for lost future rents, any amounts of rents received by the landlord for the leased dwelling unit during the remainder of any of the tenant's term shall reduce the damages by a like amount.
(A)
A detailed statement of any damages or violations of the lease together with the cost actually incurred shall be mailed by first class mail directed to the last known address of the tenant within forty-five (45) days after the lease is terminated. The security deposit, or any portion thereof, may be withheld for unpaid rent, damage due to breach of lease, or for damage to the leased dwelling unit by the tenant, his family, agents, employees, or social guests in excess of ordinary wear and tear.
(B)
The failure of the landlord to inspect the leased dwelling unit or to mail a notice in accordance with paragraph (A), above, shall cause the landlord to forfeit any right to withhold any part of the security deposit for damages.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-160 (2026)
Sec. 13-160. Retaliatory actionsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
For any reason listed in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a landlord of any residential property may not:
(i)
Harass, intimidate, threaten, or otherwise interfere with a tenant's exercise of their legal rights;
(ii)
Bring or threaten to bring an action for possession against a tenant;
(iii)
Increase the rent or decrease the services to which a tenant has been entitled; or
(iv)
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 complained, in good faith, to the landlord or to any public agency concerning the tenant's rights, specific housing deficiencies, an alleged violation of the lease, a violation of law, or a 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)
Consulted an attorney on any matter involving tenant's rights or specific housing violations; or
(2)
Filed a lawsuit against the landlord; or
(3)
Testified or participated in a lawsuit involving the landlord.
(iii)
Because the tenant has participated in any tenants' organization.
(iv)
Because tenant sought enforcement of Section 13-144 of the Code.
(3)
A landlord shall not evict or attempt to evict, or take any other retaliatory action against any tenant who exercises any rights conferred upon the tenant by law or any tenant who assists another tenant in exercising those rights.
(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)
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.
(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 or pursuant to law.
(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.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-161 (2026)
Sec. 13-161. Lease agreement; conditionsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
As a condition precedent to the leasing of a dwelling unit in a multifamily rental facility and in age restricted senior housing in this County, there shall be either an oral lease between the landlord and tenant, where such an oral lease is allowable under Maryland law, or a written lease evidencing the understanding of the parties which shall be executed by both the landlord and the tenant.
(b)
The lease shall be subject to the following conditions:
(1)
If the lease is in writing, it shall be executed in duplicate, one (1) copy of which shall be provided to the tenant at the time of execution.
(2)
The lease shall be for an initial term as shall be specified and renewable for such additional term, if any, as shall be specified, except as provided under Section 13-166. Such renewing shall be at the tenant's option. All terms and conditions of renewals shall be the same as for the initial term, except as provided under Section 13-166 or as may be otherwise agreed to by the parties, and except for lawful rent increases.
(3)
The lease shall specify any restrictions on use by the tenant of the leased premises and the property of which it is a part and further specify any attendant rights to the use of the leased premises and the property of which it is a part, which may include, but not be limited to, parking lot and swimming pool privileges.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-162 (2026)
Sec. 13-162. Contents of written lease agreementLinkCopy Citation
(a)
In addition to the provisions of Section 13-161, each written lease agreement shall contain the following:
(1)
An acknowledgement of the landlord's and the tenant's collateral responsibility for maintenance of the leased premises as defined in Sections 13-153 and 13-156.
(2)
A provision for notice to be required to quit the premises.
(3)
A provision acknowledging the landlord's duty to furnish to the tenant upon termination of the lease an itemization of any damages chargeable to the tenant.
(4)
A provision enumerating the number of persons authorized to occupy the premises, not to include occasional guests. For purposes of this Section, "occasional guest" shall mean any person who, with the tenant's consent, temporarily occupies the premises for not more than fifteen (15) consecutive days.
(5)
An itemization of all equipment provided by the landlord to the tenant, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, heat, water, and hot water, and which may include, but not be limited to, air-conditioning, washer, dryer, humidifier, dehumidifier, dishwasher, and garbage disposal.
(6)
An itemization of all services to be provided by the landlord to the tenant of whatsoever kind, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, maintenance of the grounds and provisions for trash removal.
(7)
An express warranty of habitability as defined in Section 13-153.
(8)
A provision whereby the tenant is permitted a grace period of five (5) days for the payment of his rent as provided in Section 13-158.
(9)
A "nonretaliation" provision as set forth in Section 8-208 of the Real Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
(10)
A provision acknowledging the landlord's responsibility to provide written receipts for security deposit money pursuant to Section 13-159 and all cash monies received from the tenant.
(11)
A provision acknowledging rent escrow as a lawful tenant remedy.
(12)
A provision permitting the tenant to sublease subject to the prior written approval of the landlord.
(13)
A provision setting forth the security deposit (if any) to be required and the interest thereon to be paid, in compliance with Section 13-159.
(14)
A provision acknowledging the right of any tenant who is blind or deaf to keep and maintain a dog, certified as being specially trained to aid the tenant in his handicap, of the tenant's choice within the leased dwelling unit, the rental facility and all other related structures in accordance with applicable laws.
(15)
A provision informing the tenant that the landlord does not carry any insurance on the tenants' personal possessions and if the tenant wishes to be insured an insurance carrier which provides renter's insurance should be contacted. The landlord will require the tenant to initial this provision.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-162.00.01 (2026)
Sec. 13-162.00.01. Use of apartment for drug activities prohibitedLinkCopy Citation
(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person, tenant, landlord, landlord agent, management staff and/or property owner to knowingly, sublease, assign, transfer possession, or permit use of an apartment for the purposes of any violation of the Controlled Dangerous Substance Laws of the State of Maryland and/or of Prince George's County.
(b)
Anyone who violates this Section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor per apartment, per occurrence and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months for each offense.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-162.00.02 (2026)
Sec. 13-162.00.02. Use of apartment for prostitution including human sex trafficking and human labor trafficking prohibitedLinkCopy Citation
(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person, tenant, landlord, landlord agent, management staff and/or property owner to knowingly sublease, assign, transfer possession, or permit use of an apartment for the purposes of any violation of the Prostitution Laws, including human sex trafficking and human labor trafficking laws of the State of Maryland and/or Prince George's County.
(b)
Anyone who violates this Section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor per apartment, per occurrence and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months for each offense.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-162.00.03 (2026)
Sec. 13-162.00.03. Inquiries, complaintsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Any inquiries and/or complaints regarding prostitution and/or human sex or human labor trafficking to the Prince George's County 311 Call Center shall be directed to the enforcing agencies of the County, including the Office of Human Rights.
(b)
Upon request, the Office of Human Rights shall make available to property owners and landlords of rental properties requesting the information and/or the inquiries or complaints received regarding their rental properties.
(c)
The Office of Human Rights shall make available resources regarding prostitution and/or human sex or human labor trafficking to property owners and landlords of rental properties.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-162.00.04 (2026)
Sec. 13-162.00.04. Human Sex and Human Labor Trafficking; Voluntary Registration, Training, and CertificationLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Any person who is a property owner, landlord, landlord agent, or management staff that operates an apartment rental within the County shall be offered voluntary training for management employees on how to identify human sex and human labor trafficking activities and human sex and human labor trafficking victims.
(b)
An owner and a manager of an apartment rental within the County may voluntarily register for human sex and human labor trafficking training with the Office of Human Rights. If an entity is owned by a corporation, the registered agent of the owner may register with the Office of Human Rights.
(c)
Any voluntary registration shall be updated by the Office of Human Rights by the end of the 30th day after registration with the Office of Human Rights.
(d)
The Office of Human Rights, in collaboration with the Prince George's County Police Department, will provide voluntary training on human sex trafficking and human labor trafficking consisting of training for management staff of an apartment rental within the County at the cost of the participating apartment owners.
(e)
Beginning on July 1, 2017, apartment rentals identified in Sec. 13-162.00.04(a), may voluntarily biennially certify to the Office of Human Rights that management staff has completed the voluntary training. The Office of Human Rights shall issue regulations prescribing the process for biennial certification within sixty (60) days after the effective date of this Act except for human labor trafficking, which certification process shall be completed at a later date. The same training requirements apply for human labor trafficking except for the above-referenced dates in this subsection.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-162.01 (2026)
Sec. 13-162.01. Rental facilities in flood areas; notice to prospective tenantsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
When the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement determines that any part of a multifamily rental facility, including the parking area thereof, is within the one hundred (100) year floodplain, as defined in the Building Code of Prince George's County, and is so designated on a Flood Hazard Area Boundary Map furnished by the Federal Insurance Administration of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or the Flood Plain maps of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or is otherwise so determined as being within the one hundred (100) year floodplain, as defined in the Building Code of Prince George's County, then the Director shall be provided with a property plat, aerial photo, or other graphic depiction showing that portion of the multifamily rental facility, including the parking area thereof, situated within the Flood Hazard Boundary, provided that if the Landlord has obtained from a professional engineer registered in the State of Maryland a certification that a building and the parking area normally used by tenants therein is not within the one hundred (100) year floodplain, which certification shall be based upon a detailed comprehensive floodplain study prepared by a public authority or an independent study prepared by such engineer, and which independent study shall be presented to and accepted by the Director, the building and the parking area shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section. The Director in turn shall immediately notify the landlord who, upon receipt of the notification, shall include one of the following acknowledgements in any future lease for any tenant who would occupy any building situated within the Flood Hazard Boundary, or who would normally utilize a parking or storage facility area any portion of which is situated within the Flood Hazard Boundary, such parking areas to be clearly posted to alert those using it that the parking area is subject to flooding:
(1)
In the event of heavy rainfall the unit you are to occupy and/or the motor vehicle parking area and/or the separate storage facility (as the case may be) are situated within a Flood Hazard Area boundary and may be subject to flooding which could damage personal belongings and motor vehicles. Because of potential loss, you may be eligible for U.S. Government subsidized flood insurance on the personal belongings in your apartment building. Because of this danger of loss of your personal belongings due to flooding, you should consider acquiring flood insurance which may be purchased from most insurance agents.
(A)
Damage to motor vehicles is not covered by such insurance; therefore, you should also determine whether you have proper motor vehicle insurance to cover loss due to damage of your motor vehicle resulting from flooding in the area.
(B)
The tenant acknowledges reading and understanding the foregoing warning concerning flooding and the availability of flood insurance, and hereby assumes the risk of loss which may result from such flooding.
Tenant's signature
or
(2)
A professional engineer registered in the State of Maryland has certified that (strike the phrases that do not apply) the apartment unit you are to occupy - the first floor and basement of the building in which your unit is located - a portion of the facility's parking area in which you would normally park your motor vehicle - (is)(are) situated within an area which has been designated as being within the one hundred (100) year floodplain and therefore may be subject to flooding. You may, therefore, be eligible for subsidized, low cost U.S. Government flood insurance on your personal belongings located in the building. Accordingly, you may wish to consider acquiring such insurance which may be purchased from insurance agents.
(A)
Damage to motor vehicles is not covered by Government subsidized flood insurance. You should determine whether you have proper motor vehicle insurance to cover loss due to damage of your motor vehicle resulting from flooding when your vehicle is parked in an area where flooding occurs.
(B)
The tenant acknowledges reading and understanding the foregoing warning concerning flooding and the availability of flood insurance, and hereby assumes the risk of loss which may result from such flooding.
Tenant's signature
(b)
Such acknowledgement may be in the form of an attachment or, if included in the lease form, it shall be distinctly set apart from any other provisions of the lease with a space provided for a written acknowledgement that the tenant is aware of the flood risk. Any such lease not accompanied by the foregoing acknowledgement, and either the tenant's signature or witnessed mark specifically and independently related to the acknowledgement, shall be unenforceable by the landlord.
(c)
Within five days after receipt of notification from the Director, the landlord shall furnish all tenants occupying dwelling units in premises within the Flood Hazard Area Boundary, or utilizing a parking or separate storage facility within the Flood Hazard Area Boundary, with a written warning in the above stated form (1) or (2) without the statement relating to the assumption of risk, and obtain the tenant's signature as prescribed herein.
(d)
Any landlord electing to provide the notice specified under subparagraph (2) shall obtain through the services of a professional engineer registered in the State of Maryland the data required for completion of the notice.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-162.02 (2026)
Sec. 13-162.02. Equipment provided by the landlordLinkCopy Citation
The owner of each dwelling or dwelling unit must assure compliance with the following standards during human habitation:
(a)
Equipment which is provided by the landlord shall be properly installed, connected, and maintained, and shall be capable of adequately performing the function for which it was designed.
(b)
Air conditioning in rental housing. Except when required for reasonable maintenance and repair, if the landlord supplies air conditioning units or a central air conditioning system, it shall be maintained in a safe and good working condition. Safe and good working condition shall mean that between June 1 and September 30:
(1)
Each owner of rental housing where cooling is not under the control of the tenant shall maintain a temperature of no more than 80 degrees Fahrenheit (80°F) in each habitable space at a distance of three (3) feet above floor level, above the floor near the center of the room and two (2) feet inward from the center of each exterior wall; and
(2)
Each owner of rental housing where the cooling is under the control of the tenant shall provide an air conditioning system capable of maintaining a temperature of no more than 80 degrees Fahrenheit (80°F).
(c)
Enforcement - Air Conditioning in Rental Housing. Tenants may bring complaints of violations of 13-162.02(b) to the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE). If DPIE finds that a violation has occurred, DPIE shall impose a civil fine up to five hundred dollars ($500) for each violation.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-163 (2026)
Sec. 13-163. Provisions prohibited in written lease agreementLinkCopy Citation
(a)
No written lease agreement shall contain:
(1)
Any provision containing a waiver of notice to quit.
(2)
Any provision containing a waiver of the landlord's liability for damages occasioned by the landlord's failure to repair or maintain the leased premises, as set forth in Section 13-153.
(3)
Any incorporation by reference of a collateral agreement or provision unless a copy thereof is affixed to all copies of the lease.
(4)
Any provision of authorization for confession of judgement for rent due.
(5)
Any provision containing a waiver of the protection afforded under this Division.
(6)
Any provision for penalty for the late payment of rent (late fee) in excess of five percent (5%) of the total monthly rental payment as provided in Section 13-158.
(7)
Any provision containing a waiver of notice to service of process as would otherwise be provided or allowed under State or County law.
(8)
A provision whereby the tenant agrees to waive or forego any right or remedy provided by applicable law.
(9)
A provision providing for penalty for the late payment of rent (late fee) in excess of five percent (5%) of the amount of rent due for the rental period for which the payment was delinquent or in the case of leases under which the rent is paid in weekly rental installments, a provision for a penalty for the late payment of rent in excess of Three Dollars ($3.00) per week or in the aggregate in excess of Twelve Dollars ($12.00) per month.
(10)
Any provision whereby the tenant waives his right to a jury trial.
(11)
Any provision whereby the tenant agrees to a period required for landlord's notice to quit less than that provided by applicable law; provided, however, that neither party is prohibited hereby from agreeing to a longer notice period than that required by applicable law.
(12)
Any provision authorizing the landlord to take possession of the leased dwelling unit, or the tenant's personal property therein, unless the lease has been terminated by action of the parties or by operation of law, and such personal property has been abandoned by the tenant without the benefit of formal legal process.
(b)
Any lease provision which is prohibited by terms of this section shall be unenforceable by the landlord.
(c)
If the landlord included in any lease a provision prohibited by this section or otherwise made unenforceable by State or County law, and tenders a lease containing such a provision, or attempts to enforce and/or make known to the tenant an intent to enforce any such provision, the tenant may recover any actual damages incurred as a result thereof, including reasonable attorney's fees.
(d)
If any lease shall contain a provision calling for an automatic renewal of a lease term unless prior notice is given by the party or parties seeking to terminate the lease, any such provision shall be distinctly set apart from any other provision of the lease and provide a space for the written acknowledgement of tenant's agreement to the automatic renewal provision, except leases containing an automatic renewal of one (1) month or less. Any such provision not specifically accompanied by either the tenant's initials, signature, or witnessed mark, shall be unenforceable by the landlord.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-164 (2026)
Sec. 13-164. Evictions; Placement of abandoned propertyLinkCopy Citation
(a)
After a warrant of restitution is executed, the landlord shall dispose of the property of a tenant. In no event may any of the tenant's property be placed on a public right-of-way or on any public property. Any property removed from the leased premises pursuant to a properly issued warrant of restitution shall be deemed abandoned.
(b)
If the tenant or the tenants' agent is present at the time the warrant of restitution is executed, the tenant shall be permitted to salvage and transport the tenant's property removed from the leased premises, after the warrant of restitution is executed, for a reasonable period of time, not to exceed four hours.
(c)
This section shall not apply to County owned property.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-164.01 (2026)
Sec. 13-164.01. Legislative intentLinkCopy Citation
The purpose of this legislation is to address the public health concerns regarding trash collection that may arise following an eviction. The County finds that the accumulation of garbage, litter, rubbish, abandoned property, and/or trash following an eviction may adversely affect the health, safety and general welfare of the residents of the County. This legislation seeks to improve public health by minimizing odor, removing unsightly garbage, litter, rubbish, abandoned property, and/or trash in order to prevent insect and/or rodent infestation, breeding, and feeding.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-164.02 (2026)
Sec. 13-164.02. Evictions; notification, removal of garbage, litter, rubbish, abandoned property, and/or trashLinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Office of the Sheriff shall notify the enforcing agencies of the County of the eviction. The Office of the Sheriff shall notify, within one business day, the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement and the Department of Public Works and Transportation regarding the eviction.
(b)
Following an eviction, no garbage, litter, rubbish, abandoned property, and/or trash shall be placed, left, dumped or permitted to accumulate or remain in buildings or premises in the County.
(c)
After the initial period, which is granted pursuant to Section 13-164, in which the evicted person or persons have to remove property, the landlord has one business day following an eviction to have the garbage, litter, rubbish, abandoned property, and/or trash from the eviction removed at the expense of the property owner. Within one business day of receipt of a complaint that garbage, litter, rubbish, abandoned property and/or trash is not removed the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement shall investigate the complaint and shall issue a violation notice and/or citation, as deemed appropriate. For private property evictions, the Department of Public Works and Transportation shall be designated as the responsible agency to remove garbage, litter, rubbish, abandoned property and/or trash placed on private property after an eviction upon receipt of a clean-up request and court order.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-164.03 (2026)
Sec. 13-164.03. Exemption; municipal corporationsLinkCopy Citation
Municipal corporations that provide trash collection services in their jurisdiction shall be exempt from the provisions of this Act.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-164.04 (2026)
Sec. 13-164.04. FinesLinkCopy Citation
Any person who violates any provision of Sections 13-164.01, and/or 13-164.02 shall pay a fine of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000), per day. A tax lien may be placed on a property or properties to recoup outstanding fines. Fine recoveries shall be dedicated to the Solid Waste Management Fund.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-164.05 (2026)
Sec. 13-164.05. CostsLinkCopy Citation
Any person who violates any provision of Sections 13-164.01, and/or 13-164.02, shall pay the cost of removal of trash and related expenses. A tax lien may be placed on a property or properties to recoup outstanding costs. Cost recoveries shall be dedicated to the Solid Waste Management Fund.
Within 18-months after implementation of Sections 13-164.02, 13-164.03, 13-164.04, and 13-164.05 of this Subtitle, a report of the actual annual number of evictions, actual annual number of trash removals after an eviction by the county, actual annual costs, actual annual revenues, and an evaluation with projected annual costs, projected annual revenues as well as recommendations on streamlining the enforcement process of Sections 13-164.02, 13-164.03, 13-164.04, and 13-164.05 of this Subtitle, shall be presented to the County Council by the enforcing agencies, which may include the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement, the Department of the Environment, and the Department of Public Works and Transportation.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-165 (2026)
Sec. 13-165. Senior rental leases; authority and purposeLinkCopy Citation
The purpose of this Section is to protect the tenancies of certain County households and residents in the rental housing market. The County Council finds that senior lessees, particularly those on limited or fixed incomes, can experience hardships in maintaining rental housing accommodations and that it is in the best interest of public health, safety and welfare to regulate the leasing of rental housing for seniors in the County.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-166 (2026)
Sec. 13-166. Senior rental leases, offeredLinkCopy Citation
(a)
On or after June 1, 2016, a landlord shall offer an initial lease or, when a current lease expires, a renewal lease, with a lease term of at least twenty-four (24) months to a senior lessee residing in age-restricted senior housing, unless the senior lessee agrees otherwise. Rental housing not covered in this Division includes, but is not limited to, assisted living, care home, and nursing home facilities. The twenty-four (24) month lease or renewal lease shall apply to senior lessees in a facility that are at least fifty-five (55) years of age at the time the lease or renewal is offered.
(b)
The initial or renewal lease offered under Subsection (a) above shall also comply with Sections 13-161, 13-162 and 13-163 of this subdivision.
(c)
The term of new or renewal senior leases shall be for twenty-four (24) months and shall remain without fee or rent increases for the entire period.
(d)
Landlords are required to provide written notice to all lessees about the twenty-four month period upon entering into a new lease or a renewal lease. The landlord must keep a record of seniors who are using the twenty-four (24) month lease period. Any senior who waives the twenty-four (24) month lease period needs to complete a waiver form, or have the waiver indicated on the lease, which the landlord must keep on file for three years.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-167 (2026)
Sec. 13-167. Administration; noticeLinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement: shall, as part of the biennial license renewal process:
(1)
provide landlords with written notice that a twenty-four (24) month requirement is in effect in their new or renewal licenses, and
(2)
provide landlords with written notice of this Act within 30 calendar days after its effective date.
(b)
The Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement shall use the rental license process to determine if landlords have appropriately offered the twenty-four (24) month lease period to lessees. The Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement may deny, suspend or revoke a rental license or the renewal of a rental license, pursuant to Sections 13-184 or 13-187 of the Code, if they find that the landlord has not offered this lease period.
(c)
The Department of Housing and Community Development, in conjunction with the Department of Social Services and the Office on Aging, will use HUD and other housing resources to help encourage financial literacy and to provide housing information to seniors.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-168 (2026)
Sec. 13-168. Landlord Reporting of Tenant's Rental Payments to Major Credit BureausLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1)
"Consumer Reporting Agency" has the same meaning as is set forth in Subsection (f) of Section 1681a of Title 15 of the United States Code.
(2)
"Landlord" means an owner of residential real property containing fifteen (15) or more dwelling units. It includes an owner, lessor, sublessor, assignee or other person receiving or entitled to receive rent for the use or occupancy of any housing accommodation. "Landlord" includes one of the following:
(A)
A real estate investment trust, as defined in Section 856 of Title 26 of the United States Code.
(B)
A corporation.
(C)
A limited liability company in which at least one member is a corporation.
(3)
"Nationwide Consumer Reporting Agency" means a consumer reporting agency that provides consumer credit reports nationwide and that receives rental payment data from rent reporting services.
(4)
"Tenant" means a Tenant, subtenant, lessee, sublessee or other person entitled to the possession or to the use or occupancy of a housing accommodation controlled, subsidized or both by the department.
(b)
Rent Reporting. Beginning July 1, 2023, any Landlord, as defined in (a) of this section, shall offer the Tenant or Tenants obligated on the lease of each unit in that housing development the option of having the Tenant's rental payment information reported to at least one nationwide consumer reporting agency that meets the definition in Section 603(p) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1681a(p)) or any other consumer reporting agency that meets the definition set forth in Section 603(f) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1681a(f)) so long as the consumer reporting agency resells or otherwise furnishes rental payment information to a nationwide consumer reporting agency that meets the definition in Section 603(p) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1681a(p)). A Tenant's rental payment information may be reported by a third-party service, or the landlord, or otherwise.
(c)
Tenant Election. A Tenant's election to have rent payments reported under this subdivision shall be in writing.
(d)
Leases after July 1, 2023. For leases entered into after July 1, 2023, the offer of rent reporting shall be made at the time of the lease agreement and at least once annually thereafter.
(e)
Leases Outstanding as of July 1, 2023. For leases outstanding as of July 1, 2023, the offer of rent reporting shall be made no later than October 1, 2023, and at least once annually thereafter.
(f)
Offer of Rent Reporting. The offer of rent reporting shall include a written statement that only the Tenant's timely payments will be reported.
(g)
Fee for Rent Reporting. If a Tenant elects to have that Tenant's rental payments reported to a consumer reporting agency under section (b) the Landlord may require that Tenant to pay a fee to a third-party service, or the landlord, or otherwise not to exceed the lesser of the actual cost to the Landlord to provide the service or ten dollars ($10) per month.
(h)
Tenant Failure to Pay Rent Reporting Fee. If a Tenant fails to pay any fee required by the Landlord pursuant to section (g), all of the following shall apply:
(1)
The failure to pay the fee shall not be cause for termination of the tenancy.
(2)
The Landlord shall not deduct the unpaid fee from the Tenant's security deposit.
(3)
If the fee remains unpaid for 30 days or more, the Landlord may stop reporting the Tenant's rental payments and the Tenant shall be unable to elect rent reporting again for a period of six months from the date on which the fee first became due.
(4)
The payment or nonpayment of this fee by the Tenant shall not be reported to a consumer reporting agency.
(i)
Tenant's Rights to Terminate Rent Reporting. A Tenant who elects to have rent reported as described in subdivision (a) may subsequently:
(1)
File a written request with the Landlord to stop that reporting and the Landlord shall comply with the request.
(2)
A Tenant who elects to stop reporting shall not be allowed to elect rent reporting again for a period of six months from the date of the Tenant's written request to stop reporting.
(j)
Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. § 8-211 Protections. A Tenant who elects to have rent reported shall not forfeit any rights provided under Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. § 8-211.
(k)
Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. § 8-218 Protections. A Tenant who elects to have rent reported shall not forfeit any rights provided under Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. § 8-218.
(l)
Termination of Pilot Program. This section shall remain in effect from July 1, 2023, until July 1, 2028, and shall be repealed after that date, unless it is extended by statute before that date.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-169 (2026)
Sec. 13-169. Relocation expenses; first right to occupyLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Definitions. As used in this Section:
(1)
Department means the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement.
(2)
Permanently displaced tenant means a tenant that is required to vacate rental housing for 30 days or more because the rental housing is condemned as unfit for human habitation under Section 13-113 of this Code.
(3)
Temporarily displaced tenant means a tenant that is required to vacate rental housing for less than 30 days because the rental housing is condemned as unfit for human habitation under Section 13-113 of this Code.
(b)
(1)
Relocation payment required. A landlord must pay a relocation payment to a permanently or temporarily displaced tenant.
(2)
(A)
Relocation payment not required. A landlord with five (5) or less dwelling units is not required to provide a relocation payment.
(B)
A landlord is not required to provide a relocation payment if the Director determines that the rental housing is condemned due to a natural disaster.
(C)
A landlord is not required to provide a relocation payment for a building originally designed and constructed to contain only two (2) dwelling units, one of which the owner currently occupies as a principal residence (domicile);
(c)
Relocation amount.
(1)
Permanently displaced tenants. For a permanently displaced tenant, the landlord must, within 72 hours of the posting of the condemnation:
(A)
return to the permanently displaced tenant the tenant's security deposit with required interest pursuant to Md. Real Property Code Ann., Sec. 8-203(e);
(B)
pay to the permanently displaced tenant any pro rata rent for the remainder of the month; and
(C)
pay to the permanently displaced tenant the greater of:
(i)
3 months' fair market value rent for a unit of comparable size, as established by the most current Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development schedule of fair market rents for the zip code of the rental housing being vacated; or
(ii)
3 months' of the tenant's rent under the lease at the time of relocation.
(2)
Temporarily displaced tenants.
(A)
For a temporarily displaced tenant, the landlord must, within 24 hours of the posting of the condemnation:
(i)
provide alternative, safe, legal, comparable housing, as determined by the Department, for the temporarily displaced tenant and the tenant's belongings for the displacement period; and
(ii)
pay for the costs of the immediate relocation of the temporarily displaced tenant and the tenant's belongings.
(B)
At the end of the displacement period, the landlord must pay the costs to move the tenant and the tenant's belongings back to the tenant's original rental housing.
(C)
If the replacement housing provided under subsection (c)(2)(A) is not comparable, the landlord must pay an approved allowance determined by Council resolution.
(D)
A landlord must ensure that the lease in effect at the time of a temporarily displaced tenant's return to the tenant's original rental housing contains lease provisions substantially similar to the lease in effect at the time of displacement, including provisions regarding the length of the lease term and the amount of rent due.
(3)
Alternative payment.
(A)
Notwithstanding the relocation payment required under this Section, a landlord and tenant may agree to an alternative arrangement if the alternative arrangement:
(i)
is of equal benefit to the tenant; and
(ii)
is evidenced by a written agreement between the tenant and the landlord that meets the criteria in subsection (c)(3)(B).
(B)
A written agreement detailing the alternative arrangement must contain:
(i)
the names of the current occupants of the condemned rental housing;
(ii)
the address of the condemned rental housing;
(iii)
a statement indicating the amount of the relocation payment to which the tenant is entitled under subsection (c)(1) or (c)(2);
(iv)
a statement that the tenant has waived the right to the relocation payment;
(v)
a description of the alternative arrangement; and
(vi)
the address, if known, of the location to which the tenant plans to move.
(d)
Proof of compliance. A landlord must retain a copy of the check or money order provided to the displaced tenant and a receipt signed by the tenant for a period of five (5) years.
(e)
First right to reoccupy.
(1)
A landlord must provide a permanently displaced tenant with the first right to reoccupy rental housing on the site once the rental housing becomes habitable.
(2)
The landlord must provide the permanently displaced tenant with written notice of the tenant's first right to reoccupy. The notice must include the landlord's current address and telephone number which the tenant can use to contact the landlord.
(3)
It is the tenant's responsibility to provide the landlord with the tenant's current address and/or telephone number to be used for future notification.
(4)
When the rental housing becomes habitable, the landlord must give written notice by certified mail to the tenant informing the tenant that the housing is ready for occupancy.
(5)
If the landlord cannot locate a previous tenant after 2 attempts over a 2-week period, the landlord is deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of this Section and the tenant's right to reoccupy is forfeited.
(6)
A permanently displaced tenant must notify a landlord of the tenant's intent to reoccupy the rental housing within 15 days after the landlord notifies the tenant that the rental housing is ready to be occupied. A permanently displaced tenant must reoccupy the rental housing within 20 days after the tenant notifies a landlord of the tenant's intent to reoccupy the rental housing.
(7)
A permanently displaced tenant may waive the right to reoccupy the rental housing at any time after displacement.
(f)
Penalty. Any landlord issued a citation for a violation of this Subdivision shall be subject to a fine of up to One-Thousand Dollars ($1,000). Each day a violation continues is a separate violation.
Prince George's County, Md., Code §§ 13-170–13-179 (2026)
Sec. 13-170 through 13-179. ReservedLinkCopy Citation
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-180 (2026)
Sec. 13-180. Alternative reliefLinkCopy Citation
Nothing contained in this Division shall prevent any person from exercising any right or seeking any remedy to which he might otherwise be entitled or from filing any complaint with any other agency, or court of law or equity.