Attorney General Brown, along with Prince George’s officials, announced charges against a property owner and managers for alleged unfair, deceptive, and abusive trade practices and improper licensure.

According to a press release yesterday, Prince George’s County officials and Attorney General Brown announced the filing of charges against a property owner and managers for their alleged insufficient operation of a multi-family rental housing community known as Heather Hill in Temple Hills, MD. According to county Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Tara Jackson, the case includes charges related to violations of the Consumer Protection Act and the Prince George’s County Community Development Code of Conduct Act.

CAO Jackson’s comments from the announcement:

This action reflects our unwavering dedication to holding property owners accountable and ensuring that every resident has access to safe, clean, and dignified housing. We will continue to use every tool available to uphold their rights and improve our residents’ quality of life.”

This effort is part of a broader initiative from the leadership in Prince George’s to hold bad actors accountable when they violate provisions of local codes.

As covered previously on Conduit Street, during the 2024 legislative session the Prince George’s County Council had spearheaded and, with MACo support, passed a bill allowing local jurisdictions to apply more rigorous penalties for violators of a local ordinance, and violations of employment practice standards and public accommodation laws as well as the Fair Housing Act of 1988.

Other statutory efforts to bolster enforcement by local consumer protection agencies were proposed during the 2024 legislative session. While those bills did not pass, there is potential for a renewed effort when the General Assembly reconvenes in January.