BALTIMORE — On Monday, the Baltimore City Council passed the Baltimore City COVID-19 Renter Relief Act.
This would prohibit landlords from announcing rent increases during a state of emergency and within the 90-day period after the state of emergency is lifted. The legislation would also prohibit fees for late payment or no payment of rent, as well as all rent increases scheduled to take place during the state of emergency.
“COVID-19 continues to have a significantly detrimental impact on our residents,” said City Council President Brandon Scott. “While many are struggling to make ends meet, rent increases will be one less thing that our residents will have to worry about during this crisis. I am excited to have had this bill pass through the council, and I urge Mayor Young to sign the Renter Relief Act into law without delay.”
Council President Scott also introduced two pieces of legislation at this evening’s virtual City Council meeting including one that would require the Department of Transportation to provide additional street space to pedestrians and cyclists during the pandemic. The second piece was a resolution that called on the Maryland General Assembly to override Governor Hogan’s veto of House Bill 1300 - Blueprint for Maryland’s Future - Implementation.
