League of Women Voters of Maryland

Legislative Priority in 2007, 2008 LWVMD takes action to develop a state housing policy responsive to the need for more affordable and workforce housing and to clarify landlord/tenant relationships. (1982, 1983) LWVMD Supports:

1. one state entity charged with and held accountable for establishing housing policies, programs and goals; periodically collecting and analyzing data; and reviewing housing programs.
2. housing programs funded by bonds and general revenues.
3. housing programs targeted to those geographic areas with proportionally the highest level of housing assistance needs.
4. new construction or rehabilitation to promote economic development.
5. the change of state landlord/tenant laws to require a clearly written lease which states the rights and responsibilities of both parties and includes a warranty of habitability.
6. requirement of landlords to state reasons for either terminating tenancy or initiating eviction proceedings.
7. the establishment of local and/or regional landlord/tenant offices and quasi-judicial commissions throughout Maryland.
8. the use of manufactured/mobile housing and the development of manufactured/mobile home subdivisions to meet the need for affordable and available housing.