PRIA Logo™
MarylandSB 00462025 Regular SessionSenate

Real Property - Wrongful Detainer - Time of Hearing and Service of Process

Sponsored By: Ron Watson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Real PropertyCourt OrdersCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.District CourtsEvidenceFines -see also- Penalties and SentencesFraud -see also- ForgeryHearingsJudgmentsNoticesPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyResidential Property -see also- Apartments; CondominiumsSheriffsSummonses -see also- Subpoenas

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Property disputes have shorter appeal deadlines

Beginning October 1, 2025, either party has 4 days to appeal a Maryland wrongful detainer judgment, down from 10. The circuit court must schedule the appeal hearing 4–7 days after application, with notice served at least 4 days beforehand. To keep possession during appeal, occupants must file a sworn statement that the appeal is not for delay. They must also post a bond or deposit covering fair rental value through judgment and during appeal, court costs, and awarded damages.

Faster possession decisions affect property occupants

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland District Courts must schedule wrongful detainer hearings 4–7 calendar days after filing. A hearing also cannot occur more than 10 business days after filing. Courts must enter a default judgment against a defendant who misses the hearing. If the claimant proves a legal right to possession, the court must issue a warrant directing immediate possession. This helps claimants recover property quickly but gives occupants little time to respond before removal by a sheriff or constable.

Property claimants gain broader money awards

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland courts may award wrongful detainer damages, court costs, and attorney fees when the complaint requests damages. The law removes the prior requirement for personal service or other service supporting a contract or tort judgment. Claimants gain a broader path to payment, while defendants face greater exposure to these charges. The law sets no award amount.

Property occupants face new notice rules

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland wrongful detainer summonses can name “Occupant Located At” and the address instead of a person. The process server must file a sworn statement describing good-faith service efforts. The complaint must go by certified and first-class mail to the last known address and property address, if different. An officially verified copy of the summons must be posted clearly on the property. Service must finish within 4 business days after filing; the required mailing and posting are enough to support returning possession.

Property claimants must show legal interest

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland wrongful detainer claimants must give the court enough evidence of their legal interest in the property. This helps protect occupants from claims that lack a demonstrated legal basis.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ron Watson

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Alonzo T. Washington

    Democratic • Senate

  • Dalya Attar

    Democratic • Senate

  • Carl Jackson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Nick Charles

    Democratic • Senate

  • William G. Folden

    Republican • Senate

  • Mary-Dulany James

    Democratic • Senate

  • J.B. Jennings

    Republican • Senate

  • Karen Lewis Young

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mike McKay

    Republican • Senate

  • Justin Ready

    Republican • Senate

  • Johnny Ray Salling

    Republican • Senate

  • Chris West

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 361 • No: 1

House vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 138 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0

House vote • 4/1/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 136 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/13/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 1 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 188

    4/22/2025

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/7/2025Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (138-0)

    4/7/2025House

  4. Conference Committee Report {123627/1 Adopted

    4/7/2025House

  5. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    4/7/2025Senate

  6. Conference Committee Report {123627/1 Adopted

    4/7/2025Senate

  7. House Conference Committee Appointed (Delegates Williams, Phillips and Schmidt)

    4/3/2025Senate

  8. House Refuses Recede

    4/3/2025Senate

  9. House Conference Committee Appointed (Delegates Williams, Phillips and Schmidt)

    4/3/2025House

  10. House Refuses Recede

    4/3/2025House

  11. Senate Conference Committee Appointed (Senators Sydnor, McKay and Charles)

    4/3/2025House

  12. Senate Requests House Recede

    4/3/2025House

  13. Senate Refuses Concur House Amendments

    4/3/2025House

  14. Senate Conference Committee Appointed (Senators Sydnor, McKay and Charles)

    4/3/2025Senate

  15. Senate Requests House Recede

    4/3/2025Senate

  16. Senate Refuses Concur House Amendments

    4/3/2025Senate

  17. Third Reading Passed (136-0)

    4/1/2025House

  18. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/31/2025House

  19. Favorable with Amendments {893028/1 Adopted

    3/31/2025House

  20. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

    3/31/2025House

  21. Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/19/2025House

  22. Referred Judiciary

    3/13/2025House

  23. Third Reading Passed (44-1)

    3/13/2025Senate

  24. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/12/2025Senate

  25. Floor Amendment {263426/1 (Senator Jennings) Adopted

    3/12/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/22/2025

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/7/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/12/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/8/2025

    PDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation