My office has heard from residents facing eviction issues this week. While most rental housing legislation is state law, here’s what we are telling people about rent & eviction: (1/ of many breaking down https://bit.ly/2CGXb4f )

An eviction moratorium began on March 25th. It ended on July 25. Since 7/25, the courts have been processing failure to pay rent cases pending or already authorized prior to the March 16th closure of the courts due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

That means, if your case was already decided upon before the eviction, you could be receiving an eviction notice or court summons. If that happens - you still have options!

First, go to the third floor of rent court - 501 E Fayette St. There is free legal help for those that need it. Maryland Center for Legal Assistance (MCLA), Open 8:30-4:30pm M-F.

If you have had less than 4 eviction judgments in the last 12 months, MCLA may be help with your eviction case. Also, if the Sheriff shows up at your house to evict you, you can pay your landlord in that moment!

If your landlord (LL) files a failure to pay case between March 27 through July 24, they must also file a Declaration of Compliance (DoC). That states whether the property is covered by the CARES Act.

If the DoC states the property IS covered by the CARES Act, it is dismissed without prejudice i.e. the failure to pay case is gone! The same happens if they don’t file a DoC for 3/27-7/24.

If the DoC states the property is NOT covered by the CARES Act it will be set for trial on or after Monday, August 31, 2020.

If your LL files a failure to pay case between July 25 through August 24, a DoC must be filed, and if the property IS covered by the CARES Act, they must issue a 30 day vacate notice.

If the LL files a case on or after August 25, a DoC is not required.

If all this confuses you, you are not alone - it is confusing. Always ask for help. Here are some free resources: https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/legal-resources-renters-baltimore-city

Lastly, always make sure your rental is registered & licensed. You can check here: https://bit.ly/2Q7axtV 

If it isn’t, report it to 311, and talk to these folks about next steps: https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/legal-resources-renters-baltimore-city