Counties Approve of Efforts to Hold Landlords Accountable

On January 25, 2023, Associate Policy Director Dominic Butchko testified before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee in support of SB 0100 Real Property – Actions to Repossess – Proof of Rental Licensure.

The bill’s cross-file, HB 0036, was heard in the House Judiciary Committee on January 19, 2023.

By requiring landlords to submit evidence of compliance with local rental property licensure requirements, the bill provides further clarity and accountability to the procedure by which a landlord may repossess qualifying, licensed residential property. SB 100 would also prevent courts from potentially undermining counties with rental property licensure requirements designed to protect their constituents.

From the MACo Testimony:

Licensing schemes for rental properties are a means for governments to ensure proper code and zoning compliance for the welfare of their communities, as well as maintain a proper record of housing needs within their jurisdiction. Allowing a complaint for repossession of a property to proceed without compliance with these licensing schemes completely undermines their validity. It would permit landlords to continue the illegal operation of residential rental properties by retaining the necessary tools of eviction and continued collection of rent by threat of eviction.