MarylandSB 07582025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Condominiums and Homeowners Associations - Elections, Financial Statements, and Enforcement

Sponsored By: Cheryl C. Kagan (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Real PropertyAttorney GeneralBallots -see also- Abs&MailInBallots; Abs&MailInVotingBudgets -see also- Capital BudgetsCondominiumsConsumer ProtectionElectionsElectronic DocumentsEthicsFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesHomeowners AssociationsProperty ManagersRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsRules and Regulations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Stronger consumer protections for association households

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland's Attorney General's Division of Consumer Protection can enforce condominium and homeowners association laws. It can also adopt rules to carry them out. Protected consumers include owners, prospective buyers, renters, guarantors, and others covered by the law. Counties and municipalities can adopt compatible local consumer protections. They must send condominium enactments to the Secretary of State within 30 days after those enactments take effect. They must send homeowners association enactments to the county's association depository within 30 days. The law authorizes local protections but does not set their specific requirements.

Fairer elections and organizing for homeowners

Beginning October 1, 2025, independent parties must run Maryland condominium and homeowners association board elections. Elections for the full condominium council membership are excluded. Election runners cannot be candidates or have conflicts with candidates, and must take reasonable steps toward fairness and accountability. Owners can run elections without campaigning, unless more than 25% of eligible voters object. Property-management representatives generally cannot serve, except under the rule for association-owned management. Owners who run elections in good faith are protected from personal liability. Condominium boards must reasonably accommodate owners' governance activities, including common-area use, and cannot block or punish owners for exercising their rights. Conflicting election and organizing rules are unenforceable.

Faster records and fewer homeowner fees

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland condominium and homeowners associations face deadlines for giving owners records. When owners request access after a developer transfers a unit or lot, records must be available within 15 business days. Written requests for financial statements or board meeting minutes require delivery within 21 days for records prepared within 3 years. Older records must arrive within 45 days, by mail, electronic delivery, or personal delivery. Required financial statements are free to examine in person or receive electronically. Homeowners associations may charge for in-person examination when those statements are in a depository. Other permitted service charges must be reasonable, and copying fees remain limited by law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Cheryl C. Kagan
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 183 • No: 0

House vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 137 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 4/1/2025