On February 25, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson submitted testimony before the Judicial Proceedings Committee in support of SB 856 – Mold – Landlord Requirements and Regulations (Maryland Tenant Mold Protection Act) with amendments.
This bill establishes new requirements for landlords, including local governments with housing authorities, regarding mold prevention, assessment, and remediation, along with creating centralized resources on mold-related issues.
A primary concern for counties is requiring the Department of the Environment and other departments to adopt formal regulations establishing uniform standards for mold assessment and remediation. While consistency in addressing mold issues is important, counties do not have the technical capabilities nor the resources to enforce or implement such standards. Instead, MACo urges the committee to ensure that any bill passed directs the state agencies to develop best practices and recommendations rather than regulatory mandates, ensuring guidance for landlords without placing an undue burden on local governments.
Additionally, the requirement for landlords to conduct mold assessments within 45 days of receiving written notice is a reasonable expectation. However, the bill also mandates remediation within the same 45-day timeframe, which may not always be practical due to the complexities of addressing mold in rental properties. Counties recommend a more flexible timeline based on the severity of mold contamination and the breadth of the properties affected to ensure thorough and effective remediation efforts.
SB 856 was heard in the opposite chamber, the Environment and Transportation Committee, on March 20. MACo submitted written testimony in support of this bill with amendments.
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