Montgomery County Council held a public hearing October 28 on Expedited Bill 31-25, legislation that would require landlords to notify tenants at least 14 days before carrying out a scheduled eviction.
The bill, introduced by Councilmember Kristin Mink with support from council leadership, extends the current six-day notice period permitted under Maryland state law. A 2025 change to state law authorized local jurisdictions to expand the eviction notice requirement up to 14 days.
County Officials Cite Rising Homelessness Crisis
The legislation comes as Montgomery County faces a sharp increase in homelessness. Christine Hahn, chief of services to end homelessness, testified that the county has seen a 162% rise in overall homelessness and a 634% surge in family homelessness over the past five years.
Supporters of the 14-day eviction notice requirement say the extended timeline would give tenants crucial time to access legal aid, connect with social services, or arrange alternative housing. With renters accounting for approximately 35% of Montgomery County housing units, advocates emphasized that many residents live paycheck to paycheck in one of the nation’s most expensive housing markets.
The Montgomery County Community Action Board submitted written testimony calling the measure a matter of “human decency and respect” for tenants facing displacement.
Bill Mandates Multiple Notification Methods
Under Expedited Bill 31-25, landlords would be required to notify both tenants and county officials of scheduled evictions in writing. Notifications must be delivered through multiple methods, including posting on the premises, first-class mail and, when possible, email or text message.
The legislation includes penalties for landlord noncompliance, though specific enforcement mechanisms were not detailed in the public hearing.
Representatives from property management and real estate organizations raised concerns during testimony about administrative burdens and questioned aspects of the county’s proposed communication procedures between landlords and authorities.
However, resident testimonies and advocacy groups overwhelmingly supported the extended notice period as a basic protection for vulnerable tenants.
Next steps for the legislation
The Planning, Housing & Parks Committee will review Expedited Bill 31-25 in its December work session. The council is accepting public comments and testimony through November 24.
Montgomery County joins other Maryland jurisdictions strengthening local tenant protections following the state’s 2025 Tenant Possession Recovery Act, which established new baseline eviction standards while allowing counties to enhance protections.
