In this section, “dwelling”: means a newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated dwelling in Baltimore City, that is unsold, unrented, and unoccupied; and does not include land. A property tax credit granted under this section applies only to the county property tax. The governing body of Baltimore City may grant a property tax credit not exceeding 100% against the county tax imposed on the dwelling. A property tax credit under this section may not be granted: for any dwelling that is used as an office or sample home by the builder or the owner; or for more than 3 dwellings of an owner each year. This section does not change the regular assessment procedures that are applicable in Baltimore City. The governing body of Baltimore City may provide for procedures necessary to apply for a property tax credit under this section. When the owner of a dwelling applies to the governing body of Baltimore City for a property tax credit under this section, the owner shall certify that the dwelling is unsold, unrented, and unoccupied. A recipient of a property tax credit under this section shall send immediately to the governing body of Baltimore City a notice that the dwelling has been sold, rented, or occupied. A property tax credit granted under this section is available: as long as the dwelling remains unsold, unrented, and unoccupied; and over a continuous period of time not exceeding 1 year for any dwelling. If a recipient of a property tax credit under this section fails to comply with the provisions of this section, the property tax credit under this section is forfeited immediately.

In this section, “county” means: Anne Arundel County; Frederick County; Howard County; Montgomery County; and Prince George’s County. Instead of a property tax credit, the governing body of a county may provide, by law, a grant to any eligible elderly or disabled renter. The governing body of a county may establish any qualification for the grant, including an income limit. The governing body of a county shall fund the grant from the appropriate county source. This section may not be construed to deny the governing body of a county the power to alter, amend, or repeal any law adopted under this section.